Street – ExpertPhotography

20 Most Famous Street Photographers You Should Know in 2024

Christopher Bryan-Smith — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 15:27:23 +0000

Street photography captures the beauty of the everyday. We’re all familiar with urban spaces, but street photographers observe their surrounding with a sharper eye. They can see the unusual in the everyday, the funny in the dull, and the extraordinary in the ordinary.

One way to improve your street photography is by looking back at the best. That’s exactly what we’re going to do in this article.

We cover the classical masters of the genre, looking at past photographers who blazed a trail in photography and created some of the most iconic images of all time.

If you want to see modern street photography, check out our full article on the best contemporary street photographers.

20 Most Famous Street Photographers

You might recognize some of the names and images in this article if you know any photography history. They are the masters of 20th century photography. But we also hope you find new artists and work to inspire you.

Click the links in the text to see more from each of these fantastic photographers.

Dorothea Lange

Dorothea Lange (1895-1965) photographed in America during the Great Depression. Her image of a migrant mother in Nipomo, California, became the iconic image of the era.

Lange traveled the country and later the world. She photographed poor rural farmers and unemployed working classes. Her goal was to shine a light on instances of social injustice.

She brought empathy to her images, capturing a softness and compassion. See an overview of Lange’s work in the photo book Dorothea Lange: A Life Beyond Limits.

Jill Freedman

Jill Freedman‘s (1939-2019) work hovers between street photography and photojournalism. Her subjects included marginalized populations and public servants.

She photographed issues of social justice and political protests. And Freedman immersed herself in her subjects.

She joined the circus for two years, rode along with the New York City police, and lived with firefighters. Close relationships with subjects let her make personal, behind-the-scenes images.

Her work was often under-appreciated. Yet she still is one of the most important street photographers.

Each Freedman’s book features images of a different project. Jill Freedman: Resurrection City, 1968 gives you a look into one of these projects.

Robert Frank

Swiss street photographer Robert Frank (1924-2019) is best known for his book The Americans.

As an immigrant to the United States, Frank explored the back roads of his new country. He quickly became disillusioned by the commercialism and prejudice he encountered.

His photos of 1950s America later came to define the era. But they were initially dismissed as being too far removed from the mainstream.

His photos were blurry, grainy, and dark. They contrasted those valued during the period.

His look is referred to as “the snapshot aesthetic.” This personal, spontaneous look influenced contemporary street photographers.

Lee Friedlander

Lee Friedlander (born 1934) captures the social landscape of cities. He photographs both the people on the streets and their urban environment.

His subjects include storefronts, urban frames, and signage. These are the human artifacts of the modern world.

Friedlander photographed a series of self-portraits beginning in the 1960s. He often captured himself in a reflection or his shadow in an image. The photographer became a participant in the scene.

His black-and-white images capture a “snapshot aesthetic.” It’s a quick, immediate documentation of a scene. The book Lee Friedlander is an introduction to the man and his images.

Helen Levitt

Helen Levitt (1913-2009) captured a poetic view of mid-20th century New York City. She photographed women, children, and community street life.

In her later career, she worked in color and black and white. Her color images of the 1960s paved the way for other street photographers.

Unfortunately, many of her color transparencies and prints from this period were stolen.

Her images of the city are warm and approachable. They show a side of urban life full of community. Her pictures are vignettes of domestic life.

The book Here and There is a collection of Levitt’s favorite images over seven decades of shooting.

Bruce Gilden

Bruce Gilden (born 1946) is a controversial figure among urban photographers. He isn’t just a candid photographer—he’s a confrontational one.

Gilden doesn’t photograph people on the streets of New York as he finds them. He confronts his subjects. He jumps into their personal space with a wide-angle lens and a high-powered flash.

This elicits a strong reaction, often one of surprise, sometimes anger. So his portraits show an unfiltered, raw emotion. And Gilden’s methods are often debated in the world of street photography.

His method may be unorthodox. But the images he gets are unique. His photos show an immediate and direct intimacy with his subjects.

The book Facing New York will give you a glimpse into Gilden’s style.

William Klein

William Klein (born 1928) is an American-born, French-based street and fashion photographer. He often mixes the genres by photographing high fashion models on the streets.

Klein shoots with a wide-angle lens in a quick and energetic style. His urban photography shows motion blur and grain. His is a world off-center.

He approaches street photography as an anthropologist. He captures the immediate culture of the urban lifestyle.

He returned to his native New York after living in Paris. He photographed the rugged streets of the mid-1950s showing a harsh reality.

The project culminated in the influential book Life is Good & Good for You in New York. Klein’s Photofile is another book well worth checking out of you like his work. And you can follow William Klein on Instagram.

Daidō Moriyama

Daido Moriyama (1938) is a Tokyo-based Japanese street photographer. His street photography focuses on the conflict between traditional culture and the modern world.

His style favors high-contrast, grainy images. His photos are often harsh and blurred. This gives them an abstract quality. The tilted horizons and fragmentary compositions highlight urban angst.

It’s difficult to recommend just one book by Moriyama. There are hundreds. Daido Moriyama: The World Through My Eyes is a curated collection and overview of his work.

Eugène Atget

Eugène Atget (1857-1927) was possibly the first street photographer. Atget photographed the streets of Paris at the turn of the 20th century. He worked at a time when photography was rising in popularity.

His photos were still-life photos of the street. Often, the people behind the images were implied. Many of his photos are architectural with context.

Atget’s work is not technically street photography. But he is cited by many later street photographers as a major influence.

Championed by American photographer Berenice Abbott, his work became part of the mainstream. His work influenced the street photographers of the next generation.

The book Paris Changing: Revisiting Eugene Atget’s Paris is a glimpse into Atget’s photography.

Diane Arbus

New York-based photographer Diane Arbus (1923-1971) is known for her street portraits. She focused on questions of identity and people living on the fringes of society.

She photographed people she saw as creating their own identities, like performers, twins, and transgender individuals. And she photographed subjects that were, until that time, forbidden.

Some view Arbus’ images as compassionate portrayals of individuals. Others see them as bizarre and disturbing. She sought intense clarity in her pictures, showing the details of a secret life.

Her estate carefully guarded her work for many years. But there are now many biographies. Diane Arbus: Photographer is an excellent place to start.

Walker Evans

Walker Evans (1903-1975) was a street photographer and photojournalist working in America. He captured his most famous work in the American South during the Great Depression of the 1930s.

He photographed rural life and small towns. He captured both the poverty and the humanity of his subjects. His photos document the American culture of the time.

Later, Evans would document unguarded moments on the New York subway.

In collaboration with writer James Agee, Evans created the book Let Us Now Praise Famous Men. This classic book documented farm life in Alabama and contains some of Evans’ best work.

Elliott Erwitt

Elliott Erwitt (1928) is an American street photographer. He captured life on the streets of New York and around the world during the mid-to-late 20th century.

He is famous for ironic and humorous street photos. He was a master at finding candid moments that speak to us emotionally.

Erwitt also photographed dogs. He devoted five books to dog photography. He also created iconic images of famous people, including Che Guevara, shown in the book Cuba.

An excellent introduction to his work is Elliott Erwitt: Personal Best.

Brassaï (Gyula Halász)

Brassaï (1899-1984) was born as Gyula Halász. During the 1920s and 1930s, he photographed the nightlife of Paris. His photos depicted the seedier side of the city.

His subjects included prostitutes, transgender individuals, and the criminal underworld. He found stories on gritty streets and in Paris’ high society.

He perfected the demanding technique of photographing life at night. The resulting images were moody and expressionistic.

Brassaï’s first book was Paris by Night. He compiled it in 1933. And it remains one of the best introductions to his work.

Garry Winogrand

Garry Winogrand (1928–1984) worked primarily in New York during the 1960s. He was both a street photographer and a photojournalist.

He is known for his photos of crowded public places, including zoos and airports. And his photos are filled with complex social interactions.

Winogrand’s photos capture the anxiety of the times. His pictures show politics, society, and media colliding, particularly in the 1960s.

Ironically, Winogrand hated the term “street photography.” He enjoyed the process of taking the photo above the final product. He left almost 2,500 rolls of film undeveloped when he died.

Winogrand is the subject of an award-winning documentary, Garry Winogrand: All Things Are Photographable.

The Man in the Crowd: The Uneasy Streets of Garry Winogrand is an excellent book introducing his work. You can also check out the excellent collection The Street Photography of Garry Winogrand.

André Kertész

André Kertész (1894-1985) inspired both street photographers and photojournalists. His work spans from the 1920s through the 1960s.

He photographed the streets of Paris and New York. He explored unique camera angles and distortion.

Though he influenced many 20th-century photographers, including Cartier-Bresson, Kertész felt underappreciated. His work was at the forefront of photography as an art form.

Critics of the time struggled to place photography alongside other forms of visual art. But they struggled with Kertész’s photography specifically.

Kertész’s work is collected into several books. One of the best books, to begin with, is perhaps André Kertész: His Life and Work.

Fan Ho

Fan Ho (1931-2016) documented the Hong Kong street scene in the 1950s and 1960s.

The city at the time was a very different place from what it became later in the century. He photographed the everyday life of children and workers in the city’s side streets.

His photos are masterpieces of light and shadows, shapes and action. This led some to call him the “Cartier-Bresson of the East.”

Ho was a celebrated photographer, actor, and filmmaker during his lifetime. Books of Fan Ho’s works are difficult to come by but keep your eyes out for Portrait of Hong Kong.

Vivian Maier

Unknown during her lifetime, Vivian Maier (1926-2009) is now one of the most famous street photographers. Her discovery is shown in the Academy Award-nominated film Finding Vivian Maier.

Collector John Maloof discovered hundreds of thousands of her negatives at an auction. He championed her photography, showing it to the world. He wrote Vivan Maier: A Photographer Found.

Maier captured moments of street life, mostly in Chicago, during the 1950s and 1960s. Her photos have a sense of gentleness and sometimes whimsy.

Her subjects were diverse. She photographed children, the working class, and the wealthy on the street. She shot anything that caught her eye.

Her photos included herself. There are many self-portraits in her collection, captured in reflections.

Maier’s story, an unrecognized artist in our midsts, captured the world’s interest. But her story has also brought up copyright issues and the ethics of publishing photos not shared by the artist.

Her photos are in many books, including Vivian Maier: Street Photographer.

Robert Doisneau

Many images by Robert Doisneau (1912-1994) of mid-century Paris streets are icons. For an introduction to Doisneau’s work, see the book Robert Doisneau (Icons).

One of his most famous images, Le Baiser de l’hôtel de Ville, also known as The Kiss, encapsulates French romance.

A shy man, Doisneau first began capturing details of the street itself. Then he photographed children before moving on to adult subjects.

His photography was about capturing candid moments on the street. He favored the odd moments in life—funny juxtapositions or romantic ones.

Saul Leiter

Saul Leiter (1923-2013) was an American photographer working in the 1940s and 1950s. He photographed in black and white. But he is known as an early pioneer of color street photography.

His images capture the quiet moments of the city. Soft focus and reflections give his pictures an impressionistic, painterly quality.

Filmmaker Tomas Leach gave us an insight into the man and the photographer. He filmed the 2012 documentary, In No Great Hurry: 13 Lessons in Life with Saul Leiter.

You can see Leiter’s photos in many books. This includes the retrospective Saul Leiter by Vince Aletti and others.

Henri Cartier-Bresson

The French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson (1908-2004) is the most famous street photographer ever. He is known for his candid photography and for capturing the “decisive moment.”

The decisive moment is the precise moment of action. It is the split-second of time encapsulating a whole story in an image. He describes what the decisive moment is in his own words.

It is “…the simultaneous recognition, in a fraction of a second, of the significance of an event as well as of a precise organization of forms which give that event its proper expression.”

Cartier-Bresson was well-traveled. He photographed in post-war Europe, Asia, and the American South. He was also a founding member of Magnum Photos.

Magnum Photos is a collection of photos documenting life and events of the last 75 years. The organization has become significant in recognizing photographic talent.

Cartier-Bresson inspires generations of photographers through his images and his philosophy of art. Books of his works are numerous. A good starting point is Henri Cartier-Bresson: Photographer.

Conclusion: Most Famous Street Photographers

Street photographers capture the emotions of life. They capture the quirky, the surprised, the angry, and the bored.

These 20 street photographers documented the world as they saw it. And because it was in a different era, we can look back on the work and walk the streets of cities that are no longer there.

We can share in the lives of everyday people who look very different. But we discover they aren’t as different as we expected!

27 Most Influential Street Photographers to Follow in 2024

Christopher Bryan-Smith — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 09:21:40 +0000

The art of street photography is capturing moments everyone can see but only a few really notice. The locations are familiar to us, as they are usually public spaces. But the best street photography images are unique, giving us new perspectives on the world around us.

Good street photographers can see through the chaos to find the scene within the scene. Bringing details into focus, they find meaning and beauty in a busy, random world.

If you are looking for street photography inspiration, you’ll love this list of the best contemporary street photographers. This is not necessarily a list of the most famous street photographers of all time, but they are some of the most influential artists working today.

What Makes the Best Street Photography?

Street photography is a genre where the photographer takes pictures in public places. It’s often without people noticing that they are being photographed, and the majority of street images are candid rather than poses or set up.

You don’t necessarily have to include people in your images. Playing with colours, shadows, lights, buildings, and abstract shapes can also make great street photographs.

Street photographers have to always be aware of their surroundings. They train their eyes to see the unusual in the usual, the brilliant in the banal.

Some street photographers interact with the people around them. They might ask specific individuals if they can take their portrait. Or they might be confronted by a suspicious bystander. But generally, street photographers blend into their surrounding, avoid attention as best they can.

Who Are The Most Influential Street Photographers?

Let’s take a look at the work of 27 of our favourite contemporary street photographers. If you like the image examples in this article, click the links to see their websites or Instagram pages.

Joel Meyerowitz

Joel Meyerowitz is a true legend. He is an American street photographer who has already published over 30 books, and he’s planning more. His work has appeared in more than 350 exhibitions around the world and he has won several prestigious awards.

He lives in the USA and Italy, which brings great versatility to his photo series. His work is timeless, and it’s surprising how he manages to capture casual scenes to appear unique. He also manages to find a voice with the newer generations which is partly due to his amazing personality.

Instagram: @joel_meyerowitz

Brandon Stanton

Brandon Stanton became world-famous due to his project, called Humans Of New York. He was planning to make a catalogue of New York’s inhabitants so they started taking portraits on the streets. The project took off and now millions are following it on social media.

He doesn’t only take portraits of people on the streets, but he also writes their stories next to them after asking simple questions. His work is worth to follow. He can open people’s mind in a beautiful way and he makes us more open to the people around us.

Instagram: @humansofny

Phil Penman

Phil Penman was born in the UK but raised in New York. He’s been documenting the ever-changing life of the city for more than 25 years. Besides being a street photographer, he photographed celebrities. Also, he followed historical events like 9/11.

He has won several awards and he had several exhibitions and he is named among the 52 Most Influential Street Photographers. If it weren’t enough, he is also a published author at MOMA.

Instagram: @philpenman

Zun Lee

Zun Lee is a self-taught German photographer (and physician) who currently lives in Canada. He started Father Figure, his first famous project in 2011. His work is not strictly street photography, more like documentary photography, and he is a master of visual storytelling.

He observes and introduces the everyday life of Black communities. His images show intimacy, struggles and joy and other fundamental feelings and aspects of life.

Instagram: @zunleephoto

Todd Gross

Tood Gross is a New Yorker with a rye, cynical eye. He perfectly shapes the sights, figures, shapes, and oddities of the city he’s called his home his entire life.

His street photography bright, sharp, and inherently eye-catching. It’s clear he has an innate understanding of the city and how it flows. There’s an underlying humour, but also an appreciation. He loves New York, the people, and all its idiosyncrasies.

Instagram: @todd_gross

Joshua K. Jackson

The London-based Joshua K. Jackson is a street photographer, whose work focuses on the connection people have with their surroundings. He can perfectly capture small interactions between people as well.

He uses colour and lights to enhance the atmosphere an everyday scene can have. A lot of his images are shot at night when people are going home, sitting in bars or talking with each other. His perfectly composed images express love, loneliness and intimacy.

Instagram: @joshkjack

Girma Berta

Girma Berta is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He is a self-taught street photographer who composes his images in a really unique way, creating contrast using strong and harsh colours.

His work guides the viewer through the everyday life of African people not in a documentary, but more like in a fine art style. His work has been featured in different publications, and exhibitions internationally and received several awards.

Instagram: @gboxcreative

Michael McIlvaney

Michael McIlvaney, a UK-based photographer, shows harmony and also contrasts between different subjects of the streets. He is a street photographer, who adores taking images where people are interacting with the structure of their surroundings.

He aims for candid shots. He waits, then captures the decisive moment professionally. His work consists of both digital and analog shots, and he received the LensCulture Street Photography Awards 2020.

Instagram: @mikemcstreet

Haluk Safi

The Turkish street photographer, Haluk Safi‘s motto is “Looking for improvisation music on the streets.” and his work reflects this.

He captures unlikely scenes, in an almost surreal way. He notices the appulse of different people and subjects, and he composes his images in a way where everything seems to be connected to everything.

Instagram: @haluksafi

Monaris | Paola M Franqui

Paola Franqui, who is also known as Monaris, was born in Puerto Rico and now is living in the USA. Being a curious soul, she loves capturing people while thinking about what might they go through and what their lives can be like.

Her images show people doing their usual routine, going to work or using public transport or even document protests. Her subjects seem lonely and silent, although they are usually at really crowded and noisy places.

Instagram: @monaris_

Mike Chudley

Mike Chudley is a British photographer with a strong eye for composition, capturing knock-out images wherever he goes. Bright, bold colors play a big part in his street photography, setting him apart from more traditional street photographer who like black and white.

Mike likes to mix things up, shooting in both digital and film. Either way, he has a knack for capturing dynamic shots. He’s also a photography vlogger, so you can catch a glimpse into his process on his YouTube channel.

Instagram: @mikechudley

Michelle Rick

Michelle Rick is a native New Yorker. Her images have been exhibited and featured in renowned places and magazines. Also, she is a member of the NYC Street Photography Collective.

Her work carries a documentary character, and she is a master of catching moments where the subjects in her frame interact in exciting ways. This is what makes her a great visual storyteller.

Instagram: @villagegirl

Dimpy Bhalotia

Dimpy Bhalotia is a fine art street photographer, who completed her studies in Bombay and now is based in London. She won a lot of different awards globally and different magazines and exhibitions have featured her work.

She was even named as the Best Street Photographer of 2019. She plays professionally with shadows, silhouettes and shapes in her black and white images. She also seems to never miss the decisive moment.

Instagram: @dimpy.bhalotia

Marcin Ryczek

Marcin Ryczek is a Polish photographer, who is most known for his minimalist and symbolic style. He uses geometry to create contrast and patterns in his images. His work has been presented in several countries, and he received numerous awards internationally.

Huffington Post has named his photo, “A man feeding swans in the snow” one of the best 5 in the world in 2013. That same image is on the cover of the “100 Great Street Photographs” book by David Gibson.

Instagram: @marcinryczek_photography

Navin Kumar Vatsa

Navin Vatsa is a photographer from India with a breathtaking style. Photography is more than a hobby or profession for him, “Photography is my meditation, my stress buster.”.

This is visible in his images, and we can feel it too by looking at them. His images are street, travel and documentary photos, all connected by an incredible atmosphere. No wonder he has been awarded and recognised internationally.

Instagram: @navinvatsa

Efi Longinou

Efi Longinou is a Berlin-based actress from Greece, who started photographing in her home country. It started as an artistic expression but soon became her passion.

Her work has been featured several times in the media, and she participated in group exhibitions. She is a member of Burn My Eye and interCollective. She considers the streets as a stage, and she always seems to be prepared to perfectly capture what she observes.

Instagram: @efi_o

Alan Schaller

Allan Schaller is a master of black and white photography. He lives in London and his images are characterised by geometry, contrast, shadows, lights, a bit of surrealism, and humans.

His work has been featured in a lot of famous magazines, and he co-founded the Street Photography International Collective (SPi), the largest dedicated street photography resource. Besides being a photographer, he is a musician and he also wrote articles on humanitarian issues.

Instagram: @alan_schaller

Peter Turnley

Peter Turnley is an award-winning and internationally exhibited American photojournalist and street photographer who is well known for documenting historical events.

He has beautiful street photographs and photo essays, my favourite is “French Kiss – A Love Letter to Paris“. All his images reflect how openly he observes the world. He is not only documenting huge events, but he pays attention to the small momentums as well.

Instagram: @peterturnley

David Turnley

The names are not a coincidence, David Turnley and Peter are twins. David is a photojournalist and street photographer too.

He won the Pulitzer Prize, two World Press Photos of the Year and the Robert Capa Award for Courage. He is shooting almost solely in black and white. He is sensitive to his surroundings, and always spots the small gestures as well as the dramatic ones.

Instagram: @davidturnley

Charalampos Kydonakis

Charalampos Kydonakis or Dirty Harrry is a Greek photographer and architect, living in Crete. He has a unique, sometimes shocking style and he shows the world in a way what makes you question what is real.

He is a member of iN-PUBLiC, a street photography collective and his work has been featured in several books and publications.

Instagram: @dirtyharrrry

Angelo Ferrillo

Angelo Ferrilo is a photographer from Italy. He joined AFIP International (Associazione Internazionale Fotografi Professionisti / International Association of Professional Photographers) in 2014.

He is not only a great photographer who has amazing street photos, but he also teaches photography. His images are mainly everyday scenes, captured in different public places in a way he shows connections between his subjects in his frame.

Instagram: @pherrillo

Melissa O’Shaughnessy

Melissa O’Shaughnessy is an American photographer with a degree in journalism. She is based in New York, and her work has been featured in various publications and exhibitions.

She is a member of UP Photographers, and she got her book, Perfect Strangers: New York City Street Photographs published in 2020. Her images show the everyday life of New Yorkers, and she definitely has the eye for finding uniqueness in the most usual scenes.

Instagram: @melissaoshaughnessy

Steven John Irby

Steven John Irby (or Steve Sweatpants) is a New York-based self-taught street photographer. He is a co-founder and director of Street Dreams Magazine which features upcoming photographers.

Most of his work shows the streets of New York, and he also takes documentary images. One of his latest works, in which he documented the BLM movement was even featured places like the New Yorker.

Instagram: @stevesweatpants

Jasper Tejano

Jasper Tejano started with trying out different genres of photography. He needed time to find himself in street photography and how fortunate he did. His work has been recognised internationally and his images appeared both in print and online, several places around the world.

He started approaching this genre from the documentary side, but now his images are more subjective, they sometimes seem almost surreal. He plays with shadow and reflections, and he always manages to capture something interesting, even in the most casual venues.

Instagram: @jaspertejano

Donato Di Camillo

Donato Di Camillo is a self-taught photographer, who was born in New York, from Italian parents. Photography started to interest him while he was in prison in Virginia, and he eventually started photographing while he was on home confinement.

He started with capturing everything he had access to at home. Now his work consists mostly of portraits of different characters. He has a great eye for spotting the interesting moments and people around him.

Instagram: @donato_ducamillo

Clarissa Bonet

Clarissa Bonet is a Chicago-based artist, who aims to explore urban spaces. Her work has been published in several famous magazines such as The Guardian or The Wall Street Journal. Also, her work is in the collections, for example, the Museum of Contemporary Photography.

Her work is diverse. She has street and urban photographs and also amazing editorial images. Geometry and colours dominate her street photographs and she visualises the connection between people and their surroundings, by placing them in frames, made by buildings.

Instagram: @clarissabonet

Rui Palha

Rui Palha is a street and humanist photographer from Portugal. He is based in Lisbon and he has devoted a lot of time to street photography for the last 20 years. He has had more than 20 individual exhibitions and his work was exhibited in several collectives.

His almost dream-like street photographs, mostly shot in black and white, got him several well-deserved awards and publications.

Instagram: @rui_palha

Conclusion

It’s always a good idea to seek some inspiration from other artists work. Writing this article made me want to go out and capture everything around me, and hopefully, you’ll feel the same.

Do you agree with our list? Drop us a comment with your favourite street photographers under this post!

Best Street Photography Gear in 2024 (Updated)

Christopher Bryan-Smith — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 14:45:36 +0000

Armed with the best street photography gear, you’re ready to hit the pavement and snap some shots. We know street photographers like to pack light and use minimal equipment. But some gear is worth the extra weight in your backpack.

The Wandrd Duo Daypack is our top piece of street photography gear. It’s a high-quality camera backpack that’s ideal for street photographers. But this isn’t a backpack article. We also have camera straps, tripods, and other useful gadgets. Keep reading to find out more.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Street Photography Gear

Wandrd Duo Daypack Backpack

Peak Design CL-3 Clutch Camera Handstrap

K&F Concept Lightweight Travel Tripod

What Is the Best Street Photography Gear?

The best street photography gear helps you capture incredible shots without weighing you down or attracting attention. Street photographers need to be light on their feet, moving unnoticed through urban areas. That’s why they don’t want to carry lots of heavy equipment.

But even so, there are a few bits and pieces that can improve your street photography experience. We’re not talking about the best cameras and lenses for photography. Although, we do look at those briefly in the FAQ section.

In this article, we’re looking at street photography accessories. Some are must-have items for street shooters. But others are optional pieces some photographers might find useful.

Every street photographer needs a street photography bag, which is why we start the list with a beautiful camera backpack. We also look at camera straps, another essential item. Not all street photographers use tripods or monopods. But they broaden the creative possibilities.

We also have digital gadgets that have become essential to digital street photography. But whether you choose all these accessories or just a few, you’ll be better prepared for life on the streets.

Here’s a quick rundown of the best street photography gear. We look at each item and why we’ve picked it in the following section. Then we have a buyer’s guide at the end looking at cameras, lenses, and other aspects of street photography.

Best Backpack

Wandrd Duo Daypack Backpack

Incredible build quality with durable materials
Completely waterproof with rubber-protected zippers
Side access with infinity zip design
Excellent padding for camera and accessories

Best Hand Strap

Peak Design CL-3 Clutch Camera Handstrap

Quick-connecting and quick-adjusting for ease
Ultra-durable and inspired by high-end climbing gear
Works with any DSLR and most ARCA-type tripods
Low-profile design, unobtrusive and sleek

Best Tripod

K&F Concept Lightweight Travel Tripod

Strong aluminum build
Folds down to 15.3 inches / 39 cm
Impressive strength with a 17.6 lb / 8 kg load capacity
Ball head with built-in bubble level

Best Monopod

Altura Photo Camera Monopod

Lightweight and compact, easily portable for on-the-go shots
Universal thread fits all DSLR and mirrorless cameras
Foam grip and wrist strap for comfortable, secure use
Non-skid rubber foot, perfect for indoor and outdoor terrain

Best Memory Card Case

Kiorafoto Professional Memory Card Case

Ensures safety from shock and moisture
Durable exterior protects against water and dust
Snap-on lock for secure storage
Molded eyelet for easy attachment

Best Card Reader

SanDisk Professional Multi-Card PRO-READER

Superior performance with multi-card compatibility
Premium aluminum enclosure for cool, speedy transfers
High-speed data transfer with USB-C 5 Gbps port
Write-protect lock switch for data protection

Best Power Bank

Anker Portable Charger

High-capacity power bank with 20,000 mAh limit
Trickle-charging mode for low-power devices
Charge with micro USB or USB Type-C cables
Multiple ports for simultaneous charging

Best Street Photography Gear

Now we look at all the best street photography accessories in detail. We have also included links to more in-depth reviews and longer lists with more options for specific accessories. But this is the best place to start to get set up with the best street photography gear.

1. Wandrd Duo Daypack

Brand	Brand Wandrd
Product Type	Product Type Camera backpack
Material	Material 840D Jr ballistic nylon
Capacity	Capacity 20 L
Water-Resistant	Water-Resistant Yes
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Waterproof zippers, side access, pop camera cube, chest strap, laptop sleeve
Best For	Best For Street photographers looking for a stylish, durable camera backpack

The Wandrd Duo Daypack is a street photographer’s dream camera bag. It’s stylish without being garish, so you can maintain a low profile. And it has packed pockets for storing your camera, lenses, and extra gear.

We recently reviewed all the best camera backpacks, testing and scoring each one. And the Wandrd Duo Daypack is very close to the top of the list.

We’ve already mentioned how it looks. But the quality isn’t only skin deep. The closer you look, the more you appreciate this backpack.

The materials are of the highest order. The main outer material is thick, water-repellent 840D Jr ballistic nylon. You’d need a sharp knife to rip this open, so you don’t have to worry about snags and tears in the street.

The nylon is water-repellent and has a coating for extra protection. And the gear inside is completely protected thanks to the rubber padding on the zippers that keeps water from seeping through. It’s a fully waterproof backpack, so you don’t have to worry about your gear if you get caught in the rain.

You also get excellent storage space inside. You can keep the main compartment open if you’re using it as a normal backpack. But erect the “pop camera cube,” and it becomes a camera backpack. The camera cube is well padded, so your camera is secure.

Don’t worry about all your other gear. The bag has plenty of pockets for lenses and gadgets. And the larger pockets are well-padded and have elasticated rims, so everything is secure and protected.

Street photographers will appreciate the infinity zipper design. This allows you to open the bag fully, which makes packing and unpacking much easier. It also gives you side access on both sides of the bag. That means you can grab your camera without taking the bag off.

We have much more to say about this camera backpack. You can read our full, in-depth review of the Wandrd Duo Daypack to learn more.

2. Peak Design CL-3 Clutch Camera Handstrap

Brand	Brand Peak Design
Product Type	Product Type Camera hand strap
Materials	Materials Nylon, aluminum
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Microfiber pad, clip anchors
Best For	Best For Street photographers who like to keep their camera firmly secured in their hand

Many photographers prefer a classic camera neck strap. But a camera hand strap is ideal for street photography. When roaming the streets with your camera, you need to be ready at all times. At any moment, a shot could present itself. With a hand strap, your camera is always where you need it: in your hand.

The Peak Design CL-3 Clutch Camera Handstrap is the best option for street shooters. It’s strong, reliable, and comfortable. It’s a fairly no-thrills accessory. But it will never let you down.

The main strap is made of thick, robust nylon. It is rather coarse, but you have padded microfiber that protects your hand, making it comfortable. You can wear it for hours without chaffing or discomfort. You also have the aluminum buckle to tighten it for a better fit.

With super-strong anchors, the camera’s weight will never be an issue. They can hold anything up to 200 lbs / 90 kg, so your street photography camera won’t even come close to bothering it.

The Peak Design CL-3 Clutch Camera Handstrap is compatible with DSLR and mirrorless cameras. They can be APS-C or full-frame models. And rangefinders and compact cameras are no problem either. You can also use it when using a tripod, thanks to the bottom screw connection.

You can see our list of all the best camera hand straps if you want more options. Or you can check out our post on the best camera neck straps if that’s what you prefer.

3. K&F Concept Lightweight Outdoor Tripod

Brand	Brand K&F Concept
Product Type	Product Type Tripod
Material	Material Aluminum
Folded Height	Folded Height 15.3 inches / 39 cm
Maximum Height	Maximum Height 64 inches / 163 cm
Tripod Weight	Tripod Weight 2.4 lbs / 1.1 kg
Max Load Capacity	Max Load Capacity 17.6 lbs / 8 kg
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Ball head, flip locks, bubble level
Best For	Best For Photographers looking for a lightweight, portable tripod

Not all street photographers use tripods in their daily practice. They don’t always help when a street photographer is in anonymous mode. And they can be slow to set up and pack up. But a tripod can also be a useful tool for street photographers.

They give you more options with your exposure settings. You can shoot with slower shutter speeds without motion blur. Or you can use them to capture motion blur using long-exposure photography in a busy street. They also allow you to work in the early morning or late evening, when there’s less light.

If you want to try using a tripod for your street photography, we recommend the K&F Concept Lightweight Outdoor Tripod. It’s lightweight at just 2.4 lbs / 1.1 kg. And it folds down to a convenient size of 15.3 inches / 39 cm, making it easy to strap to your camera backpack.

With strong materials and excellent build quality, it’s surprisingly durable. It can support anything weighing up to 17.6 lbs / 8 kg. That is far more than you need for most street photography cameras. Even full-frame DSLRs are a breeze for this tripod.

Thanks to the quick-release flip-locks, it’s easy to set up, adjust, and pack away. And it has a decent height range, allowing you to get low-angle shots or anything up to 64 inches / 163 cm.

The ball head gives you fantastic flexibility. It sits on a panning base, which is great for panoramas. And the ball joint gives you an excellent range of motion. The built-in bubble level is another handy feature, helping you achieve a perfectly level mount in any environment.

If this isn’t the tripod for you, check out all of our best tripod articles:

4. Altura Photo Camera Monopod

Brand	Brand Altura Photo
Product Type	Product Type Monopod
Material	Material Aluminum
Item Weight	Item Weight 0.6 lb / 272 g
Folded Height	Folded Height 16.7 inches / 42.4 cm
Maximum Height	Maximum Height 62 inches / 157.5 cm
Max Load Capacity	Max Load Capacity 5 lbs / 2.2 kg
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Flip locks, universal thread, rubber foot with retractable spike
Best For	Best For Photographers who want extra stability and freedom of movement

If you don’t want the hassle of a tripod, a monopod is a fantastic alternative. They are more compact than tripods. And they give you more mobility. But they still give you extra stability, allowing you to use more exposure settings.

They also help you keep a low profile. Erecting and mounting a tripod can make a bit of a scene on a busy street. Everyone will be alerted to the presence of the photographer. But that’s not the case with a monopod. It doesn’t expand your physical profile.

Monopods are popular with event and sports photographers. But they make an excellent addition to a street photographers toolkit.

The Altura Photo Camera Monopod is a great choice for street photographers. It’s portable and lightweight. And it’s simple yet reliable. It’s also an affordable accessory for street photography.

It weighs only o.6 lb / 272 g, which is feather-light. And it folds down to 16.7 inches / 42.4 cm. That means you’ll have no problem storing it in your camera backpack. It’ll even fit in most camera messenger bags.

With five leg sections, the monopod has a large height range. The max height is 62 inches / 157.5 cm, but you can find a comfortable position anywhere between the maximum and minimum height.

It’s easily adjustable thanks to the quick-release flip locks on each leg section. And a padded grip at the top makes it easier to control when your camera is mounted. The rubber foot and retractable spike also give you more grip on any surface.

It isn’t the strongest monopod. But with a max capacity of 5 lbs / 2.2 kg, it is strong enough for most street photography cameras. Most mirrorless models will be okay. But you will have to be careful with full-frame DSLR cameras.

If you do need something more secure, check out our full article on the best monopods for photographers.

5. Kiorafoto Professional Memory Card Case

Brand	Brand Kiorafoto
Product Type	Product Type Memory card case
Dimensions	Dimensions 5.6 x 3.2 x 1.1 inches / 14.3 x 8.2 x 2.8 cm
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Waterproof seal, carabiner buckle
Best For	Best For Street photographers using digital cameras

A durable memory card case is an essential accessory for street photographers. Filling up your camera mid-shoot is annoying, so you always need spare SD cards. And there’s nothing more heartbreaking than losing an SD card full of your best street shots. That’s why card cases are so important.

The Kiorafoto Professional Memory Card Case is a great option for street photographers. It’s durable, spacious, and reliable. It’s a purchase you won’t regret.

It’s a spacious card case, allowing you to store up to 12 SD cards and 12 microSD cards at the same time. It’s also compatible with TF memory cards.

Memory card cases don’t come much more durable than the Kiorafoto. It’s crush-proof. And it’s waterproof when properly closed, thanks to the rubber seal around the opening. Once shut, your SD cards are safe inside.

It’s small enough for any camera backpack. And it comes with a metal carabiner buckle, so you can attach it to the outside of your camera bag or belt.

You can see all the best SD card cases in our full article. And if you need more memory cards, you can see our articles on the best memory cards and the best microSD cards.

6. SanDisk Professional Multi-Card PRO-READER

Brand	Brand SanDisk Professional
Product Type	Product Type Memory card reader
Dimensions	Dimensions 4.5 x 2.3 x 0.7 inches/ 11.5 x 6 x 1.9 cm
Connection	Connection USB-C
Supported Cards	Supported Cards UHS-I, UHS-II SD, CompactFlash, SDHC, SDXC, microSDHC, microSDXC, microSD, and SD
Compatible Operating Systems	Compatible Operating Systems Windows, macOS, iOS (iPad Pro), and G-Raid devices
Best For	Best For Transferring data from memory cards to other devices

Even with a tough and durable memory card case, data is vulnerable when stored on an SD card. They are easily lost or broken. That’s why it’s best to transfer the images to another device as soon as you can. And a memory card reader allows you to do that any time, any place.

Many street photographers take their laptops with them when shooting. Thankfully, most quality camera backpacks like the Wandrd Duo Daypack have dedicated laptop pouches. But you still need to bridge your camera and laptop, which is why you also need a card reader.

The SanDisk Professional Multi-Card PRO-READER is one of the very best. It can read a wide range of cards. It has fast reading and transfer speeds. And it’s portable, so you can take it anywhere.

It connects to your laptop with a USB-C cable, which is included. And it has ports for SD and microSD memory cards. It can read pretty much any memory card used for digital cameras.

And with read and write speeds of up to 10 Gbps, you can transfer data in no time. It also reaches top speed when transferring data from multiple cards at once.

With an aluminum outer casing, it doesn’t break easily. And the aluminum pulls heat from the inside, stopping it from overheating.

See our full list of the best SD card readers for photographers if you want more options.

7. Anker Portable Charger

Brand	Brand Anker
Product Type	Product Type Portable power bank
Dimensions	Dimensions 6.2 x 3 x 0.7 inch / 15.7 x 7.2 x 1.7 cm
Battery Capacity	Battery Capacity 20,000 mAh
Connection Type	Connection Type Micro USB, USB-C
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Trickle-charging mode
Best For	Best For Recharging cameras and other devices on the go

Running out of battery when you’re out shooting is frustrating. But if you have a portable power bank, that isn’t something you have to worry about. If your camera has USB charging, you can charge your camera anywhere. Then you can keep shooting for hours on end.

Street photographers can’t go wrong with the Anker Portable Charger. It’s compact and portable, so you can slip it into your camera bag. And it holds plenty of charge, so you don’t run out when you’re shooting.

It does take six hours to fully charge up. But once charged, it gives you 20,000 mAh of power. That means you can charge smartphones and cameras several times over.

You can connect to devices with either a micro USB or a USB-C cable. That gives you excellent flexibility, allowing you to connect different types of devices. You can also charge two devices at the same time, which is another handy time-saver.

It also has a trickle-charging mode for low-power devices, like earphones and wireless speakers.

USB-C and micro USB cables are not included. They will be included with your devices, or you can buy them from the links here.

FAQs on the Best Street Photography Gear

So far, we’ve looked at the best street photography accessories. We haven’t looked at street photography cameras or lenses. And we haven’t talked about the art of street photography. We hope to give you more insight into those areas by answering some FAQs on the subject.

What Is the Best Camera for Street Photography?

Before recommending our top street photography cameras, we need to consider what street photographers look for in a camera.

Street photographers like cameras with compact bodies. When you’re shooting in the street, you’ll be holding your camera for long periods. That’s why a lightweight and compact body is so important.

Also, you’re often shooting in crowded, narrow spaces. A big, bulky camera isn’t ideal in that kind of environment. And a big camera draws more attention. When people are aware of your presence, you can’t get candid shots.

Image quality is always important with cameras. But street photography is about composition, movement, and dynamism. Of course, you want good picture quality. But street photography doesn’t require super-high-resolution images. Anything from 20 to 32 MP is perfectly fine.

Burst mode can be handy with street photography, especially in a busy environment. But you’re not shooting sports photography, so a modest burst speed is okay. You don’t need 30 fps for street photography.

Cameras with a retro design are definitely popular within the street photography community. Some of the cameras we mention below have that style. And while it isn’t essential, looking stylish doesn’t do a photographer any harm.

The Fujifilm X100V is one of the most popular street photography cameras right now. So much so, in fact, it’s hard to find a brand new model online. And that means the price for second-hand models is inflated.

But it is a fantastic camera for street photography. It looks fantastic in black or chrome. It has a fixed 32mm f/2 lens. And it gives you 26.1 MP images. It has an electronic viewfinder and a tilting LCD screen. And you can use it to record 4K video footage.

Leica cameras have always been popular with street photographers. At least with street photographers with a big budget. And if you are one such photographer, you might like the Leica M11.

It’s a superb camera with Leica’s classic rangefinder design. And it gives you resolution options. You can shoot with 60, 36, or 18 MP. It also has a wide 64-50,000 ISO range. And the controls are similar to that of an analog camera.

If you don’t have a Leica-friendly budget, the Olympus OM System OM-5 is another fantastic option. It’s a compact Micro Four Thirds camera. And despite its size, it’s packed with excellent features. It also has a traditional, retro-looking design.

Check out all the best street photography cameras in this article.

What Is the Best Lens for Street Photography?

There are two important specifications to consider when looking for a street photography lens. These are focal length and whether you want a prime or zoom lens.

When it comes to zoom vs prime, it’s a matter of personal opinion. The classic case for both is that zooms give you more versatility, but primes give you better image quality. There is some truth in that. But when looking for a lens for street photography, it’s just about finding what suits your style.

Zoom lenses do give you better shot versatility. But you don’t need much magnification. You only need a zoom to help you get better close-ups or tighter compositions. You don’t need a super-telephoto zoom lens.

For focal length, street photographers tend to go for standard-angle lenses. The 50mm lens is a staple of the genre. But many prefer something slightly wide, often going to 35mm lenses.

A 24-70mm lens is ideal for street photography if you want a zoom lens. You get a lovely wide angle when shooting at the 24mm end. But you also have the power to zoom to 70mm. That’s excellent versatility when you’re in a busy urban environment.

For more information and recommendations, see our full list of the best lenses for street photography. You can also see our article on the best standard-angle zoom lenses.

What Are the Best Settings for Street Photography?

Beginners are often tempted to head out into the street relying on Auto mode. But for the best results, you need to shoot with manual settings. Firstly, you’ll learn much quicker shooting in manual mode. And the results will be much more pleasing.

We have to start with the three main exposure settings: aperture, ISO, and shutter speed. See our article on the exposure triangle to learn the basics.

Many street photographers like to use medium to narrow apertures. While that does restrict light, it gives you a deeper depth of field. That means your plane of focus is much deeper, and more of your scene will be in focus.

Something around f/8 is ideal for sharp street photography. You can open it to f/5.6 if you are low on light. But anything lower will make the depth of field too shallow.

Of course, if you’re doing close-ups or environmental portraits, a shallow depth of field can give you a nice bokeh effect. But generally, a narrower aperture is more beneficial to street photographers.

Due to the narrow aperture, you might need to push the ISO up a little. It doesn’t need to be a drastic increase, especially if you’re working in daylight. But you might need to go a few stops up from the lowest setting. You’ll still get good image quality from 400 or 800 ISO.

For sharp images, you need a fast or fast-ish shutter speed. There’s a lot of movement in street environments. And if your shutter speed is too slow, you can experience a lot of motion blur. A shutter speed of 1/1000th of a second is great. But you can drop to 1/500 or 1/250 s if you need to.

Also, you can use a slow shutter for creative reasons. If you want an image that transmits the energy of a busy street, you can use a slow shutter speed so all the people and cars have motion blur. You will need a tripod for this. But that’s why we included a tripod in our list of street photography gear.

Burst mode is a handy tool for street photography. You don’t need a rapid shooting speed. But something like 7 to 12 fps allows you to capture hectic moments without missing the perfect shot.

When it comes to focusing, try zone focusing. It’s a form of manual focusing where the focus range is limited to a certain distance. This means you don’t have to search the whole focus range before your subject is sharp. It saves you time, so you’re quicker on the draw.

Where Can I Find Inspiration for Street Photography?

The first place to start is our article on the most influential street photographers. It’s a comprehensive list of some of the most exciting street photographers working right now. You can see a glimpse of their work. And you can click through to their websites and social media pages.

You should also see Faizal Westcott’s YouTube channel. He’s a fantastic street photographer who loves sharing his tips and educating others on the art of street photography. He has a grounded, relatable teaching style that’s great for beginners.

James Maher is another street photography educator. He lives and works in New York. And his work gives you an intimate street’s-eye-view into that iconic city. His website is great for finding inspiration and learning the skills and techniques to improve your street photography.

What Are My Rights as a Street Photographer?

The rights and laws surrounding street photography depend on the country you’re shooting in. Some countries are far more strict than others. That’s why it’s always good to check the laws before you start shooting, especially if you’re traveling abroad.

You can see more information in our full article on street photography rights.

Conclusion: The Best Street Photography Gear

While street photographers tend to travel light, there is some street photography gear that shooters can’t live without. They help you capture the images you want. And they allow for more creativity. Sometimes they help you shoot for longer periods.

The Wandrd Duo Daypack is our top item. Every street photographer needs a good camera backpack, and the Duo Daypack is the best of the best. The Peak Design Clutch Handstrap was number two because you need your camera in your hands. Then we also included tripods, monopods, and digital gadgets. But all of these accessories will help take your street photography to the next level.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Street Photography Gear

Wandrd Duo Daypack Backpack

Peak Design CL-3 Clutch Camera Handstrap

K&F Concept Lightweight Travel Tripod

8 Best Camera Sling Bag in 2024 (Updated)

Jenn Mishra — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 15:57:10 +0000

With many photographers switching to mirrorless bodies, camera sling bags have become popular! If you have switched gear recently or are just looking for a lighter kit, you may be in the market for a new camera bag. I am getting ready for a trip and often carry a big backpack with all my camera gear. But I wonder if a sling bag with less gear is the smarter option.

There are many slings on the market. So come with me as I look for the best camera sling bag. I will show you my top 10. Then we’ll look at all the features of sling camera bags. You will find a sling bag perfect regardless of your budget or gear.

If you want a quick answer, the BAGSMART Crossbody bag takes the cake as the best camera sling bag in 2022. This is thanks to its exceptional price and its minimalist and stylish design!

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Camera Sling Bag

BAGSMART Shoulder Bag

Peak Design Everyday Sling Bag

Lowepro Slingshot Edge 250 AW

What is the Best Camera Sling Bag?

Here’s a quick look at my top 10 choices. I will then go into a bit more detail about each one. And at the end, I’ll explain what a sling bag is and who uses them.

Our Top Choice

BAGSMART Shoulder Bag

Amazingly versatile for a great price
Padded shoulder strap and anti-theft zips
Compact design perfect for travel
Waterproof material

Most Stylish

Peak Design Everyday Sling Bag

Fashionable design with a simple, minimalist layout
External straps allow you to attach bigger accessories like tripods
Employs a number of features geared toward comfort
Comes with a lifetime warranty

Best Quick Access

Lowepro Slingshot Edge 250 AW

Designed with convenience in mind
Provides space for accessories and laptops
Functions well in busy or challenging environments
Quick-access pocket to stash your phone and wallet

Best Everyday Bag

Tenba Solstice Sling Bag

High-comfort for a big shoulder bag
Extra space to store accessories
Streamlined shape
Great for daily use or one-day outings

Sleekest Design

Think Tank Photo Urban Access 8

Shoulder strap can be alternated from either left or right
Cameras access from two separate sides
Deep pockets allow for extra storage
Compact tripod attachment

Most Spacious

VANGUARD VEO Discover 41

Can be used either as a backpack or with a shoulder strap
Lets you access contents from both sides
Economic design uses every inch of space
Water resistant with anti-scratch material

Best for Photojournalists

Domke F-2 Shoulder Bag

Official camera bag of The White House News Photographers Association
Flap over the top with zipper closure
Bag strap has special grip so it is less likely to slip off
Made with extremely durable cotton

Most Like a Backpack

MOSISO Sling Bag in Gray

Features a tripod holder on the side
Back pocket for tablets or small laptops
Soft and padded strap, great for long shooting days
Waterproof rain cover to pull over the bag

8 Best Camera Sling Bags in Detail

1. BAGSMART Should Bag

Material	Material Canvas
Exterior Dimensions	Exterior Dimensions 29.2 x 14 x 19 cm
Weight	Weight 340 g
Waterproof	Waterproof Yes
Tripod Holder	Tripod Holder No
Best For	Best For Photographers who don't need a lot of gear

The BAGSMART camera shoulder bag is one of the top-rated slings. It is also one of the least expensive on our list. But it packs in a lot of high-end features. It is minimalist in design but surprisingly functional and roomy.

The main opening is wide, making it easy to access your gear. The bag fits a camera and one to two lenses with accessories. The bag is padded with a soft suede interior. And two padded dividers let you customize the interior space.

The bag has double, anti-theft metal zippers to allow access from either side. An inner pocket fits SD cards and smaller accessories. And the design is sleek with no exterior pockets. So you can’t strap on a tripod or water bottle. But it has a padded shoulder strap and a top handle.

This water-repellant polyester bag comes in black or pink. The bag doesn’t scream “camera bag.” And if you remove the dividers, you have the perfect travel bag!

For the price, this bag cannot be beaten. It looks small and sleek, but you can fit a small camera kit inside. The super lightweight, inexpensive crossbody camera bag by BAGSMART is our top budget pick.

2. Peak Design Everyday Sling 10L

Material	Material Canvas
Exterior Dimensions	Exterior Dimensions 25 x 14 x 41.9 cm
Weight	Weight 816 g
Waterproof	Waterproof No
Tripod Holder	Tripod Holder Yes
Best For	Best For Photographers looking for style and substance

The Peak Design Everyday Sling 10L is a close second. It’s expensive, but you can’t beat Peak Design‘s quality and construction. The bag is made from recycled 400D double poly-coated DWR-impregnated nylon canvas.

There are two origami-inspired folding dividers. They divide the space but also fold to create a shelf. And you can access the entire interior space if you remove the dividers. This makes the bag flexible for an extra-large lens like my 200-600mm.

A slim front pocket with a hidden zip runs the length of the bag and gives you quick access to phones, wallets, and other small items. The design makes it tricky to get into, but the gear stored there is protected and hidden from view.

The interior compartment of the 10 L holds a 13-inch laptop. And the laptop compartment has a quick but secure magnetic closer. There’s also an interior pocket for spare batteries and SD cards. And the stretchy material expands to fit easily around accessories like battery chargers and sunglasses.

The older version of the bag has a built-in tripod strap. This newer version includes detachable straps. I prefer the style of the older version. But the weight distribution is better on the newer model.

The bag comes with the signature Peak Design quick-adjust strap. It is reversible and adjustable with one hand. The material is like seatbelts that slide easily around your body. The bag is designed with hidden pockets to hide extra straps. This keeps the bag sleek and helps to avoid getting snagged on anything. Plus, the bag has a built-in handle for easy carrying.

The weatherproofing is in the fabric. So it won’t wear off! The smooth zippers should give you a lifetime of use. Peak Design is not kidding when it offers a lifetime warranty. If you have a problem, they’ll send you a replacement bag.

I am a bit of a Peak Design fangirl. I have an embarrassing number of their bags, including both versions of the Everyday Sling. One thing you should know about these bags—they are durable! I have banged these bags worldwide, and they still look fresh and ready for the next trip.

Slings by Peak Design come in three other sizes—3, 5, and 6 L. You can choose between black or ash color. The 6 L also comes in navy blue.

3. LowePro Slingshot Edge 250 AW

Material	Material Nylon
Exterior Dimensions	Exterior Dimensions 26.7 x 15.6 x 48 cm
Weight	Weight 816 g
Waterproof	Waterproof Yes
Tripod Holder	Tripod Holder Yes (Small)
Best For	Best For Photographers who value comfort the most

LowePro has a reputation for quality bags, and its Slingshot Edge 250 AW is no exception. This slim, mid-priced bag fits compact DSLR cameras with one or two lenses and various accessories. You can use the smaller section at the top for accessories or another lens. And you can access the main compartment from the back.

The bag rotates easily around your body for quick and easy access. It has a quick-access side pocket that zips around the back for full access to your camera gear. There are customizable interior dividers and interior pockets for SD cards and spare batteries.

There is a pocket for a small tablet or iPad and a small, quick-access pocket for your phone and wallet. And you have a mesh pocket perfect for a water bottle on the side.

The bag has two padded straps with a waist strap for extra support. And you can mount a tripod to the front of the bag using two extra straps. It’s also weather-resistant and has a built-in rain cover.

The bag is black with orange highlights. The Slingshot Edge also comes in a smaller version, the 150 AW.

4. Tenba Solstice Sling

Material	Material Nylon
Exterior Dimensions	Exterior Dimensions 17 x 24 x 44 cm
Weight	Weight 635 g
Waterproof	Waterproof No
Tripod Holder	Tripod Holder Yes
Best For	Best For Everyday use or day trips

The Tenba Solstice Sling is a solid, mid-priced choice. It is lightweight and compact. And the bag is marketed as having the all-day comfort of a backpack with the quick access of a shoulder bag.

The back has 3D air mesh to help keep you cool. And there’s an extra safety strap for your waist that helps to secure a heavy load. The bag has a side opening for quick access and opens fully at the front. The bag can fit a camera with two to three lenses and accessories.

There are four dividers to customize the interior space, with various pockets for SD cards and extra batteries. An expandable pocket for a small tripod or water bottle is on the side. And there is also a tablet sleeve with slots for smaller gear.

The bag is made from water-repellant nylon. And there is a separate rain cover included. You have the choice of a black or a blue bag.

5. Think Tank Urban Access 8

Material	Material Canvas
Exterior Dimensions	Exterior Dimensions 13 x 20 x 37 cm
Weight	Weight 953 g
Waterproof	Waterproof No
Tripod Holder	Tripod Holder Yes (Small)
Best For	Best For Urban photographers who like minimalist equipment

The Think Tank Urban Access 8 sling camera bag is one of the more expensive choices. But you get the quality that you expect from this brand and a sleek, urban style.

The bag fits a camera and two lenses with various accessories. It is designed to allow access from either side, and you can wear the bag over your left or right shoulder. This flexibility requires extra caution, though. Your gear can go flying if you open the wrong zipper.

There is a detachable strap to secure a tripod and another you can put around your waistband for extra security. And you can configure the inner compartment to your needs. There is a deep front pocket for quick access to accessories, or it can hold a small tripod. There is also a pocket for a small tablet.

The bag has a wide, comfortable strap. The bag is water-resistant, with a rain cover tucked into the back. The bag is black with a grey interior. And if you need more space, Think Take makes a larger 10 L model.

6. VANGUARD VEO Discover 41

Material	Material Nylon
Exterior Dimensions	Exterior Dimensions 22 x 41 x 13 cm
Weight	Weight 889 g
Waterproof	Waterproof Yes
Tripod Holder	Tripod Holder Yes
Best For	Best For Photographers who need a lot of space

The VANGUARD VEO Discover 41 is a sling bag like no other. At first, you notice it has two straps, like a regular backpack. But VANGUARD has a strapping system that allows you to wear the bag over one shoulder. This unique feature lets you take advantage of the comfort of two straps and the convenience of just one.

My favorite aspect of this bag is the quick and convenient access. It has zippers on each side. So if you’re left-handed or right-handed, you can take advantage of its quick access.

The VEO Discover 41 provides padded dividers. And other features that can be customized to you’re personal shooting style. There is even a section to keep small laptops or tablets secure.

The bottom of the bag has waterproof material. So you can set your bag down without worrying about water seeping in. The bag itself isn’t waterproof. But Vanguard provides you with a waterproof cover.

7. Domke F-5XB

Material	Material Cotton
Exterior Dimensions	Exterior Dimensions 11 x 25 x 18 cm
Weight	Weight 500 g
Waterproof	Waterproof No
Tripod Holder	Tripod Holder No
Best For	Best For Photojournalists and press photographers

The Domke F-5XB is a popular retro satchel. It can be worn as a shoulder bag or as a crossbody bag. And it’s the official camera bag of The White House News Photographers Association.

The bag has a large flap and zipper that makes for quick access. It fits a camera body and two lenses, along with some accessories. And it is probably best for a mirrorless camera system. There is no tripod, tablet, or water bottle storage. But there are many adjustable compartments and pockets.

It is padded on the front, back, and top. But some side padding would help. Inside are two removable padded dividers. And on the front is a small pocket for memory cards and batteries.

The shoulder strap is not padded for comfort but is non-slip. But the bag is durable and will withstand a surprising amount of weather.

It is made from distressed cotton canvas treated with non-solvent wax for durability. And the bag even comes with a tin of wax. It looks and feels like your favorite pair of jeans!

The Domke logo is very prominent. And some owners carefully remove it to be more inconspicuous. The bag is in the high-price range. And it comes in black, brown or sand color. If you are looking for a lightweight sling with an old-school vibe, this is your bag!

8. Mosiso Camera Sling Bag

Material	Material Polyvinyl Chloride
Exterior Dimensions	Exterior Dimensions 143 x 25 x 16 cm
Weight	Weight 712 g
Waterproof	Waterproof Yes
Tripod Holder	Tripod Holder Yes
Best For	Best For Photographers who like backpacks but prefer a single strap

Mosiso’s inexpensive sling bag is a surprise find with some of the top customer ratings. The bag has two parts. The main compartment is for your camera and lenses. And the top compartment stores accessories.

The bag is padded and has removable inserts to customize the interior space. You can fit a camera body and two lenses with some accessories.

It has an exterior mesh pocket with straps to hold a tripod or water bottle. And a hidden anti-theft zippered pocket on the back is a safe place to store travel papers and your wallet.

One nice plus is that it’s colorful! If you are bored with black camera bags, Mosiso has you covered. The bag comes in nine colors, including black, khaki, and a selection of blues, reds, and greens. And the interiors are either orange or purple.

The back of the bag is soft, breathable mesh. It is water-repellant but not waterproof. But it comes with a rain cover like other sling bags on this list. So if you want a light, inexpensive sling bag, the Mosiso Camera Sling Bag is a great buy!

What is a Camera Sling Bag?

A camera sling bag is usually smaller than a backpack and is worn over one shoulder. Slings have a single strap that is worn diagonally across your body. (But there are also 3-point slingers.) Camera sling bags combine the best features of a hiking backpack and a shoulder bag.

The bag nestles into your back like a backpack. But it slides forward around your body when you need it. This lets you access lenses and accessories without taking the bag off. It is accessible like a shoulder, tote, or messenger bag. But it is less likely to fall off your shoulder when carrying your gear.

Some bags are designed to be used over either shoulder. Other bags are more comfortable for the right-handed photographer. Some include multiple access points and pockets to store accessories.

(DepositPhotos)

They usually have a large compartment for storing a camera and a couple of lenses. They also have smaller pockets around the bag to store accessories like batteries, SD cards, and your phone or tablet.

Most camera sling bags are not as large as backpacks. They are not meant for the same amount of gear. But some sling bags are big enough to fit laptops and have tripod attachments.

With slings, the weight is not evenly distributed across your shoulders. The heavier the sling bag, the more weight there is on one shoulder. A backpack is probably a better choice if you carry a lot of heavy gear. Backpacks are not necessarily better than slings, but they have different strengths.

Who Uses a Camera Sling Bag?

Sling bags are marketed to both DSLR and mirrorless users. (You may want a backpack instead if you have a DSLR and many lenses. But DSLR bags are often too big and bulky to be comfortable.)

Camera sling bags are most attractive to photographers on the go. Travel and street photographers can pack a camera, a couple of lenses, and bits of smaller gear for the day. Slings are the perfect balance of versatility and storage.

Most photographers have sling bags for smaller equipment, like drones. So they are the best choice for any photographer who wants to pack light and quickly change lenses.

Conclusion

Camera sling bags slide around your body. You swing them onto your back when moving and photographing. Then you can slide them to the front of your body to access lenses, batteries, or SD cards. The best camera sling bags combine security with accessibility. They are comfortable to wear and protect your gear.

If money is no question, the best camera sling bag is the Peak Design Everyday Sling 10L. It has one of the best designs on the market. But if you do not want to spend that much money, the BAGSMART shoulder bag is the solution. You get many of the same features at a fraction of the cost, which is why it places at the top of our list!

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Camera Sling Bag

BAGSMART Shoulder Bag

Peak Design Everyday Sling Bag

Lowepro Slingshot Edge 250 AW

9 Best Street Photography Cameras in 2024 (& Best Settings)

Trevor Marshall — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 12:00:27 +0000

With the best street photography camera, you can pound the pavement and capture everything that catches your eye. So, which camera is best for street photographers? While personal preference is important, there are a few features most street photographers tend to need.

The best street camera should be lightweight and compact. It should have a good mix of auto and manual settings. And it has to deliver the media standard you want, whether photos or videos.

The Fujifilm X100V is our choice as the best street photography camera. It has a stylish rangefinder design. It has a powerful 26 MP sensor. And with a fast fixed f/2 lens, it works well in all lighting conditions. If that’s not your camera, keep reading to see all the best street photography cameras we recommend.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Street Photography Camera

Fujifilm X100V

Olympus OM System OM-5

Nikon Z f

What Is the Best Street Photography Camera?

The best street camera becomes a part of you. With street photography, you need to be quick with the trigger more than any other discipline. The line between the photographer and the camera is blurred. That’s why you need a camera that looks and feels comfortable.

You don’t need a camera that looks fantastic. Although, there’s nothing wrong with a stylish camera. Rather, it’s best to have a camera that makes you feel comfortable. You need to be relaxed in your environment and become an anonymous observer. You can’t do that with a bulky, cumbersome camera.

Image quality is always important in photography. But it isn’t the be-all and end-all in street shooting. Street photography is about capturing moments. It’s about composition, movement, and energy. It’s about finding a unique perspective in a familiar situation. So, you don’t need a super-powerful full-frame camera.

APS-C cameras are great for street photography. And we also have compact cameras, which some street photographers love. There’s a wide variety of cameras you can choose from. But you don’t need to chase the highest specs. You just need a convenient camera with good manual settings and handy features.

Here’s a rundown of all the best street photography cameras. We look at each camera in more detail in the section after. And we have an FAQ section at the end if you need more information on cameras for street photography.

Our Top Pick

Fujifilm X100V

26 MP sensor for good noise reduction and fast readout
Sharp JPEGs with low noise
15 quality film simulations
Hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder
Tilting touchscreen
Excellent 4K Ultra HD video

Best Micro Four Thirds

Olympus OM System OM-5

Handheld High-Res Shot mode gives you 50 MP images
4K Photo mode gives you a 30 fps burst mode
Expandable ISO range with a low option of 64
Built-in 5-axis image stabilization
Unlimited 4K video recording at 30 fps
Completely weather sealed for outdoor shooting

Best Full Frame Camera

Nikon Z f

Beautiful retro body design with tactile exposure controls
AF subject recognition with 3D subject tracking
Built-in 5-axis image stabilization
Pixel Shift shooting for 96 MP images
Rotating touchscreen and bright electronic viewfinder
Oversampled 4K video at 30 fps with 4:2:2 10-bit color

Best APS-C Mirrorless

Fujifilm X-T5

Incredible 40.2 MP resolution from an APS-C sensor
AF uses AI to identify and track moving subjects
Built-in 5-axis image stabilization
Pixel Shift Multi-Shot mode for ultra high-resolution photos
Long-lasting, 680-shot battery
Outstanding 6.2K video recording

Most Affordable Mirrorless

Nikon Z fc

Face- and eye-detect AF for humans and animals
Lots of easy-access control dials
Attractive and stylish design
4K video capabilities

Best for Beginners

Canon EOS R10

Powerful APS-C sensor
Professional-standard Dual-Pixel AF
23 fps burst speed (electronic shutter)
Compact and lightweight camera body
Excellent video quality with 4K options

Best Autofocus

Sony a6600

Astonishing autofocus
5-axis in-body image stabilization reduces camera shake
Silent shooting
Terrific battery life
Small, lightweight camera

Most Compact Full Frame

Nikon Z5

Brilliant 273-point autofocus (AF) system
Fantastic expandable ISO range for low-light shooting
In-body 5-axis image stabilization
High-resolution electronic viewfinder

Best Leica Camera

Leica M11

High-resolution shooting options
Low ISO setting of 64
Three customizable buttons
Good battery life
Classic rangefinder camera body

9 Best Street Photography Cameras

Now, we look at all the best street cameras in more detail. We have a wide range of cameras to choose from. There are classic rangefinder-style cameras. We list mirrorless cameras with APS-C, full-frame, and Micro Four Thirds sensors. And we’ve included cameras for small or big budgets.

1. Fujifilm X100V

Released	Released 2020
Sensor Format	Sensor Format APS-C
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Fixed
Megapixels	Megapixels 26 MP
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 425
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 12,800
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 11 fps
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Video	Video
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Fixed 23mm f/2 lens, viewfinder, LCD touchscreen, weather-resistant
Best For	Best For Street photographers who want a camera that performs and looks great

The Fujifilm X100V is one of the most popular cameras with street photographers. It’s so popular Fujifilm is having trouble meeting demand. Unfortunately for us, that means prices are quite high for this camera.

First, this Fujifilm camera looks fantastic. It has a classic rangefinder design, echoing traditional analog cameras. You also get the manual control knobs on the top of the camera, giving you a hands-on experience.

Its brand-new 23mm f/2.o lens produces razor-sharp and colorful images. Paired with the 26 MP APS-C sensor, the X100V promises excellent detail and dynamic range. Its color rendition is beautifully accurate, especially with skin tones. That’s good news if you like to include people in your street shots.

The tilting LCD touchscreen helps you shoot from different angles. And there’s a bright and detailed electronic viewfinder if you prefer composing your shots the old-fashioned way.

Fujifilm celebrates its analog past with built-in film simulation modes. These help you achieve the film photography aesthetic with a digital camera. And you can apply the filters in-camera, so you don’t need photo editing software!

The Fujifilm X100V is a beautiful fixed-lens camera. Of course, it looks fantastic. But part of its beauty comes from its usability. Within minutes, the camera becomes an extension of your body. And you can snap freely as you wander the urban thoroughfares.

It doesn’t have the fastest burst rate, maxing out at 11 fps. But that’s enough for dynamic street photography shots. Its popularity has made it a pricey camera. But there are many reasons street photographers so highly regard it.

2. Olympus OM System OM-5

Released	Released 2022
Sensor Format	Sensor Format Micro Four Thirds
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Micro 4/3
Megapixels	Megapixels 20 MP
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 121
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 25,600
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 30 fps
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Video	Video
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Eye-detection autofocus (AF), high-res shot mode, HDR mode, focus stacking, weather-resistant
Best For	Best For Photographers looking for a compact interchangeable lens camera

The Olympus OM System OM-5 is a superb camera for street photography. It’s a Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera, so it’s even more compact than APS-C mirrorless cameras. But it’s packed with excellent features for creative photography.

While small, this Olympus camera‘s MFT sensor gives you 20 MP images. The detail and clarity are excellent. And the dynamic range is surprisingly good for a small-sensor camera.

You also have a high-resolution shot mode if you need more power. It isn’t a vital feature to shoot street photography. But it does give you 50 MP images by compositing several exposures together. You can also use this mode when shooting handheld. You don’t need a tripod to use it.

The AF system is excellent, helping you capture sharp images in a fast-paced environment. It’s a 1053-point cross-type autofocus system that can track moving subjects. And it has face and eye-detection capabilities. That’s helpful if you like including people in your street shots.

Equipped with a bright electronic viewfinder and a tilting LCD screen, you have options for composing images. It also has USB charging, so you can more easily power up when you’re out and about.

Vloggers and moviemakers will appreciate the video features. You can record 4K video footage with various frame rates, including 30 fps (frames per second). You can record in vertical video mode if you’re creating content for social media. Plus, the camera has webcam functionality.

The Olympus OM System OM-5 is a durable camera with IP53 weather sealing. That means you don’t need to worry about rain showers when you’re shooting. It’s also compatible with all the best Micro Four Thirds lenses.

3. Nikon Z f

Released	Released 2023
Sensor Format	Sensor Format Full Frame
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Nikon Z
Megapixels	Megapixels 25 MP
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 273
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 64,000
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 25 fps
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Video	Video
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Tactile controls, 4K at 60 fps, Pixel-shift mode, vari-angle touchscreen
Best For	Best For Street photographers who want the perfect blend of performance and style

The Nikon Z f is one of the sexiest cameras Nikon has ever produced. It has a retro design that street photographers will love. And it has tactile, on-body controls that give you a hands-on experience similar to using an analog camera.

Despite the compact body, this mirrorless camera houses a full frame sensor. And while 24.5 MP isn’t groundbreaking for a full frame camera, the image quality is impressive. The wide dynamic range is another strong point. And one that benefits street photography, achieving detail from light and dark areas of the same image.

If 24.5 MP isn’t enough for you, switching to the Pixel-Shift mode gives you more power. By creating a composite of several exposures, it produces staggering 96 MP photographs.

You can experiment with black and white street photography thanks to the built-in monochrome modes. They work with both stills photography and video. And they’re a great way to shoot black and white without the need for photo editing software.

Street vloggers and videographers will also love the Z f. You can shoot stunning 4K video footage with a super-smooth 60 fps frame rate. You can also shoot 4K that’s oversampled from 6K. And there’s a two-hour time limit, so you can shoot short or long-form videos.

The vari-angle touchscreen and the Wi-Fi connectivity are handy features for street shooters. And it has a sophisticated autofocus system that can more than meet the demands of street photography.

The Nikon Z f is a beautiful camera inside and out. We can’t get enough of the classy retro design. But we know this full frame mirrorless camera delivers the important stuff too. It’s a hybrid street photography camera that looks fantastic. What’s not to love?

We also have an article on the best Nikon lenses for street photography. That’s definitely worth checking out if the Nikon Z f is up your street.

4. Fujifilm X-T5

Released	Released 2022
Sensor Format	Sensor Format APS-C
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Fujifilm X
Megapixels	Megapixels 40 MP
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 425
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 12,800
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 15 fps
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Video	Video
Other Key Features	Other Key Features 1/8000 s max shutter speed, high-res shot mode, 6.2K video
Best For	Best For Street photographers who want high-resolution images

The Fujifilm X-T5 is one of the most advanced mirrorless cameras around. It has powerful image production capabilities. But thanks to the APS-C sensor, it remains a compact and lightweight camera. Also, it looks fantastic with the now-iconic X-T series retro design.

With a 40.2 MP resolution, it’s one of the most powerful APS-C cameras on the market. The image quality is staggering for a camera of this size. The colors are deep, rich, and accurate. The details are razor-sharp.

Like the OM-5, the X-T5 has a high-resolution shot mode. Fujifilm calls it the Pixel-Shift Multi-Shot mode. And with the X-T5, this mode gives you outrageous 160 MP images. That makes it one of the best high-resolution cameras.

We have said street photography doesn’t rely on big MP counts. That is true. But this camera ticks all the boxes and delivers impressive images.

All the specs are fairly impressive. The 1/8,000 s (seconds) max shutter speed with the mechanical shutter is a great example. It lets you capture hectic street scenes without a trace of motion blur. And you can use the electronic shutter for a speed of 1/180,000 s!

You can also shoot with the 15 fps burst mode. And again, switch to the electronic shutter, and you get a faster 20 fps rate.

The AF system is Fujifilm’s best so far. And it copes very well in busy environments like street scenes. You also have the built-in image stabilization system. It lets you shoot with slower shutter speeds for sharp images in low light.

It’s a true hybrid camera, which some street photographers will appreciate. You can shoot 6.2K video quality with 10-bit 4:2:2 color. Most street photography cameras don’t come close to that cinematic film quality. Of course, not all street shooters want video. This is the one serious videographers need.

The Fujifilm X-T5 is an outstanding machine. It has every quality a street photography camera needs—and more! It might be overkill for more casual street photographers. And the price will turn some away. But very few are complaining about this camera’s features or performance.

5. Nikon Z fc

Released	Released 2021
Sensor Format	Sensor Format APS-C
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Nikon Z
Megapixels	Megapixels 21 MP
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 209
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 51,200
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 11 fps
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Video	Video
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Vari-angle LCD screen, microphone jack, Wi-Fi enabled
Best For	Best For Street photographers who want an affordable, retro-style interchangeable lens mirrorless camera

The Nikon Z fc is another mirrorless camera with a retro, analog-influenced design. And partly due to that, it’s another popular camera with street photographers. Nikon has been struggling to keep up with demand for years. But it’s worth it if you can get one.

The beauty on the inside matches that on the outside. It has a 20.9 MP APS-C CMOS sensor that Nikon’s EXPEED 6 processor backs. Together, they give you brilliant images. And even though 20.9 MP isn’t record-breaking, the image quality is fantastic.

Borrowing from old analog models, the Z fc has physical controls for the exposure settings on the outside of the camera. And you can turn the LCD screen around to face inward to use the viewfinder when composing your shots. This gives you an experience closer to that of a classic camera.

The vari-angle touchscreen also helps you shoot from different angles. You can even turn it to face the front, letting you shoot selfies or vlogs.

With the Z fc’s i-Menu, you can customize the interface on the LCD screen. You can fill the menu with the features and modes you use most. This saves you valuable seconds when you’re on the street.

The face and eye-detection autofocus modes are excellent for street images involving people. And it’s fast and accurate even when tracking moving subjects.

The Nikon Z fc is another great street photographer or vlogger camera. You can record crisp 4K video. And you have ports for microphones, letting you record pro-level sound. That’s another reason the Nikon Z fc is a nifty, all-action camera for street photography.

6. Canon EOS R10

Released	Released 2022
Sensor Format	Sensor Format APS-C
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Canon RF
Megapixels	Megapixels 24 MP
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 651
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 32,000
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 15 fps
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Video	Video
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Face-detection AF, electronic viewfinder, Vari-angle LCD, USB charging
Best For	Best For Anyone looking for a versatile street camera for beginners

The Canon EOS R10 is the best street photography camera for beginners. It’s a versatile machine for various photographic disciplines, including street photography. The design is similar to a standard DSLR. But it’s a lightweight mirrorless with a compact body.

With an APS-C CMOS sensor, you get lovely 24.2 MP images. That’s great for a beginner Canon camera. The images are vibrant and detailed. And you see a big improvement compared to using a smartphone camera.

It also has a good blend of auto, semi-auto, and manual controls. These let you develop your skills while still achieving excellent results with your street photography along the way.

With a 100 to 32,000 ISO range, you can still shoot in the street after nightfall. You can expand this to 51,200 ISO, but digital noise might become an issue.

The autofocus system is great for street photography. There are modes with human, animal, and vehicle detection settings. That means you can easily change the focus of your street image depending on what you have in front of you.

You can shoot from any angle thanks to the vari-angle touchscreen. And it also has an electronic viewfinder if you prefer composing your shots that way.

The 15 fps burst mode is ideal for fast-paced situations. And you can record 30-minute 4K videos. That’s perfect for multi-media content creators.

The Canon EOS R10 delivers everything an entry-level street camera should deliver. Its features and form make it a fantastic option for photographers starting their street photography journey.

If you like this camera, you should also see our list of the best Canon lenses for street photography. You’ll find the perfect partner for your Canon EOS R10.

7. Sony a6600

Released	Released 2019
Sensor Format	Sensor Format APS-C
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Sony E
Megapixels	Megapixels 24.2 MP
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 425
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 102,400
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 11 fps
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Video	Video
Other Key Features	Other Key Features AF tracking and eye-detection, microphone and headphone ports, Wi-Fi connectivity
Best For	Best For Photographers looking for a high-performance, pocket-sized interchangeable lens camera

The Sony a6600 is one of the most compact interchangeable lens cameras. You can almost fit it in your pocket. It also has features well suited to the demands of street photography.

The image quality is excellent, thanks to the 24.2 MP sensor. It has a wide ISO range, reaching 102,400 when fully expanded. This lets you work in any lighting conditions, which is great for evening street photography. And you only experience noise when you’re at the top of the scale.

The built-in five-axis image stabilization system also helps with night shooting. It gives you five stops of exposure compensation, letting you keep your ISO low in darker situations.

With a fast and reliable AF system, your subjects will always be sharp. It uses 425 phase-detection and 425 contrast-detection points, giving you nearly 100% frame coverage. It can track moving subjects. And it has eye-detection modes for humans and animals.

You rarely miss a shot thanks to the 11 fps burst mode. And you have a tilting LCD touchscreen to help you shoot from awkward angles. The camera also has a bright electronic viewfinder to help you compose your shots.

It’s a hybrid machine with excellent video features. You can record lovely 4K footage. And the camera has ports for external sound equipment, like microphones and headphones.

The Sony a6600 is perfect for the covert street photographer. The size, weight, and color help you keep a low profile. And its features let you express your creativity with masterful street photography. It’s a great option if you love Sony cameras.

8. Nikon Z5

Released	Released 2020
Sensor Format	Sensor Format Full Frame
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Nikon Z
Megapixels	Megapixels 24 MP
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 273
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 51,200
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 4.5 fps
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Video	Video
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Eye-detection AF, creative filters, time-lapse mode, remote shooting, USB charging, Wi-Fi connectivity
Best For	Best For Street photographers who want a full-frame camera

The Nikon Z5 is the best full-frame camera for street photography. Some street photographers avoid full-frame cameras because of their size. But the Z5 doesn’t have that problem. It’s Nikon’s most compact full-frame mirrorless camera. It isn’t much bigger than an APS-C camera. It’s the best of both worlds!

You might not think 24.2 MP is impressive for a full-frame sensor. But the image quality is sensational. The details are sharp, clear, and precise. And the colors are well-rendered and true to life.

The larger pixel size also gives you a better dynamic range, which is always positive with street photography. It also has a wide 100 to 102,400 ISO range.

With five-axis image stabilization, you can shoot in low light with better results. You can shoot with a slower shutter speed without the risk of blur. And it lets you keep your ISO as low as possible.

As well as 4K video, the Z5 has plenty of creative features. It has built-in filters you can apply in-camera. You can create multiple exposure images. Plus, it has a time-lapse shooting mode, making it one of the best time-lapse cameras. There’s no need for an intervalometer.

The Nikon Z5 has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. This lets you transfer data to other devices wirelessly. And you can use it for remote shooting. It’s an all-feature, full-frame camera that street photographers will appreciate.

9. Leica M11

Released	Released 2022
Sensor Format	Sensor Format Full Frame
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Leica M
Megapixels	Megapixels 60 MP
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 1
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 50,000
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 4.5 fps
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Video	Video
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Ergonomic manual controls, electronic viewfinder
Best For	Best For Street photographers with a big budget

Leica makes luxury cameras with luxury price tags. The fact they are so expensive means Leica cameras are not for everyone. But Leica becomes a way of life for those willing to fork out the cash for one.

The Leica M11 is the latest in Leica’s line of digital rangefinder cameras. But while this is a digital camera, the aim is to give you an analog-like shooting experience. The camera has manual exposure controls, like a film camera. And the digital features are kept to a minimum (no video).

Like all M-series cameras, the M11 has Leica’s classic rangefinder design. It’s stylish, sleek, and compact. It comes in black, silver, and monochrome. Carrying this camera will do wonders for your street cred.

While it does have a compact body, it has a full-frame BSI CMOS sensor inside. You can choose three different resolution settings to shoot with 18, 36, or 60 megapixels. The 60 MP RAW files are massive. But the image quality is staggering.

You can also shoot with a 64 ISO setting. Of course, you need plenty of natural light. But you can increase the ISO to 50,000 if you’re low on light. You also have 15 stops of dynamic range, giving you detail in all areas of your image.

As an interchangeable lens camera, you need to buy lenses separately. But it’s compatible with all the best Leica M lenses.

The high price will put a lot of people off the Leica M11. But the street photographers who do buy Leica cameras never regret the purchase. They often become Leica devotees, using nothing else but their Leica rangefinder. It’s a beautiful camera if you can afford it.

Best Street Photography Cameras and Equipment FAQs

While street photography is one of the most popular types of photography, it can be difficult to get started. That’s why we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about the genre. We hope this information helps you make informed choices.

What Are the Best Camera Settings for Street Photography?

As with any photography, you must balance the three main exposure settings. These are aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. They make up the exposure triangle. We suggest a medium-to-wide aperture, a shutter speed of at least 1/500 s, and the lowest ISO setting possible, up to 800.

If you’re new to street photography, you might be happy to shoot in auto mode. That is the easiest way to start. But we recommend switching to manual mode. You’ll learn more quickly. And you’ll have better street photography results.

A medium-to-narrow aperture isn’t the best for letting in light. But it gives you a deeper depth of field. This means you have a deeper focal plane, and more of your scene is in focus. Something like f/5.6 or f/8 is good.

Of course, you can use a wider aperture to achieve a bokeh effect. This works well with close-ups or environmental portraits. But generally, a deeper depth of field is better for street photography.

35mm, f/7.1, 1/950 s, ISO 200. Photo by Guillermo Latorre (Unsplash)

A faster shutter speed is good with all the movement and energy in an urban environment. You don’t need it to be super-fast unless things move quickly. But you also don’t want too much motion blur. Something like 1/500 s is ideal.

You can also use slow shutter speeds to intentionally create motion blur. It’s best to use a tripod or monopod for this technique. But it’s a great way to display the hectic movement of a street scene.

Using burst mode is another useful tip for street photography. It helps you capture the perfect shot when things move at a head-spinning pace. You don’t need a 20 or 30 fps burst rate. This isn’t sports photography. But something between 7 and 15 fps is perfect.

We always suggest keeping your ISO as low as possible. But when you’re using a narrow aperture, that isn’t always possible. Thanks to the energy and dynamism of street photography, you can push the ISO up a few stops without too much damage to image quality. ISO 400 or 800 is fine for street photography.

Read our article on the best camera settings for street photography if you want to learn more.

What’s the Best Lens for Street Photography?

A traditional 50mm prime lens is still popular with street photographers. Another popular lens is a 35mm. It’s favored because its field of view is similar to the human eye’s. For zoom lenses, a 24-70mm lens is ideal.

You might want to decide whether you want a prime or a zoom lens. Both have their advantages. But deciding between the two is a matter of personal opinion. Some street photographers use nothing but prime lenses. Others like to use zoom lenses.

Prime lenses have a fixed focal length. They give you no zoom capabilities. But prime lenses often produce sharper image quality, especially around the edges.

The benefit of a zoom lens is its versatility. With a variable focal length, you can zoom in and out. This lets you recompose your image without moving yourself or the camera. You can get closer to distant subjects. Or you can zoom out for a wider angle.

The next important specification is focal length. This determines how wide your angle of view is.

The benefit of zoom lenses is that you can shoot wide-angle shots at the 24mm end. And you can zoom in for tighter compositions at the 70mm end. It’s perfect for when you’re roaming the street with your camera. You can zoom in and out, adapting to your surroundings.

If you want more information and specific examples, check out our full list of the best lenses for street photography.

What Is the Best Backpack for Street Photography?

We recommend the Wandrd Duo Daypack. You want something subtly stylish, spacious, and robust. And the Wandrd hits the mark. The Duo Daypack is ideal for street photographers.

It looks fantastic. It has excellent storage spaces for street cameras, lenses, and other accessories. And it’s completely weather-resistant. Check out our full review of the Wandrd Duo Daypack.

If that isn’t the bag for you, dive into our article on all the best camera backpacks. If you want more accessories, read our article on the best street photography gear.

Can I Use Film and Analog Cameras for Street Photography?

Yes, absolutely. Something like the Canon AE-1 is a great choice for a 35mm camera. It’s a bit heavy and clunky. But it’s a joy to use, and it delivers excellent results. Check out our full review of the Canon AE-1. If that camera doesn’t take your fancy, we list more of the best 35mm cameras.

Film photography is having something of a renaissance at the moment. Film stock is flying off the shelves. Social media is ablaze with images shot with film. Street photography is one of the most popular genres in the film community.

The designs of old analog cameras lend themselves to street photography. Even SLRs are fairly compact and easy to carry around your neck. And the manual controls help you hone your photography skills. You can’t re-do a film photo, so you must always nail it.

One fun aspect of analog photography is experimenting with different film stocks. You can choose between color and black-and-white film. You have different brands to pick from. And you can play with the ISO levels you use. The possibilities are endless.

You can see our list of the best black-and-white film stocks. Or, if you want something more colorful, check out all the best color films.

Conclusion: The Best Street Photography Camera

The best street photography camera should feel like an extension of you. A street photographer needs to blend into their surroundings. And a compact, lightweight, and comfortable camera helps you do that. You must then balance those elements with performance for the perfect blend of features.

The Fujifilm V100X is our favorite street photography camera. And it’s the favorite of many experienced street photographers. It looks fantastic with its rangefinder retro design. The image quality is brilliant. And it has features that make a street shooter’s life much easier.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Street Photography Camera

Fujifilm X100V

Olympus OM System OM-5

Nikon Z f

What is the Best Lens for Street Photography in 2024?

Trevor Marshall — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 14:03:53 +0000

Street photography is all about capturing life as it happens. And to do that, you need the right gear. So what is the best lens for street photography?

There are a lot of different factors to consider when choosing a lens for street photography. But the most important thing is to choose a lens that is fast and versatile. A lens like the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens is a great option because it is both fast and lightweight.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Lens For Street Photography

Canon EF 50mm F/1.8 STM

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm F/1.8G

Sony FE Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 35mm F/2.8 ZA SEL35F28Z

The Seven Best Lens for Street Photography

So what are the best lenses for street photography? There are many camera lenses out there worthy of comparison. Here you’ll see a selection of the best and some different focal length options you could try.

Best Overall Prime Lens

Canon EF 50mm F/1.8 STM

Very cheap for high quality optics
Fast f/1.8 maximum aperture
Very quiet STM AF motor
Very compact and light

Best Nikon 50mm Prime Lens

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm F/1.8G

Inexpensive prime lens
Fast and accurate AF
Good bokeh
Compact and lightweight

Best Sony Standard Prime Lens

Sony FE Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 35mm F/2.8 ZA SEL35F28Z

Nice and fast f/2.8 maximum aperture
Neat, unobtrusive general purpose lens
Ultra-sharp corner-to-corner images
Super bokeh

Best Fujifilm Standard Prime Lens

Fujifilm FUJINON XF 35mm F/1.4 R

Exceptionally sharp edge-to-edge
Solid, all-metal construction
Aperture ring
Wonderful bokeh

Best Independent Wide-Angle

Sigma 35mm F/1.4 DG HSM | A for Nikon F

Good value lens
Fast f/1.4 maximum aperture
Impressive sharpness
Available for Canon, Nikon and Sony

Best Mid-Range Nikon Zoom

Nikon AF NIKKOR 24-85mm F/2.8-4D IF

Fast aperture at 24mm
Sharp with good contrast
1:2 reproduction ratio from 35mm to 85mm
Good everyday standard lens

Best for Image Stabilization

Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 A032 for Nikon F

Constant f/2.8 maximum aperture
Up to 5 stops IS
Panning detection for IS
Weather-sealed

The Best Lenses for Street Photography Ranked

1. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM

Brand	Brand Canon
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Canon EF
Lens Type	Lens Type Prime Lens
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 50 mm
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 1.8
Why it's great for street photography	Why it's great for street photography It's unobtrusive and works well in low light. Ideal for the street.

This camera lens is built on previous incarnations of the Canon 50mm f/1.8. It has a more robust build and is a move away from the more plastic design of the older lenses. Most notably, the mount is now metal. And this is the part that takes a beating whenever you put the lens on or take it off.

The look and feel of this lens are excellent and it delivers terrific photos as well. It’s a winning combination of ease of use, quality, and price.

Features to consider:

Minimum focal distance of 0.35m
Better bokeh produced by a rounded seven-blade diaphragm
The best value for money of 50mm lens
Compact and lightweight design

2. Nikon AF-S FX 50mm f/1.8

Brand	Brand Nikon
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Nikon F
Lens Type	Lens Type Prime Lens
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 50 mm
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 1.8
Why it's great for street photography	Why it's great for street photography It's small, super-sharp, and produces superb bokeh.

I’m a Canon user, so in the interest of those who use Nikon, here is a 50mm camera lens that they produce. The Nikon 50mm f/1.8G gives excellent results, works well in low light, and results in an attractive blurred background when you use a large aperture.

It’s not big and bulky. Although in the battle of the budget lenses, this one is a little more expensive than the Canon.

Features to consider:

Great in low light
Produces a beautiful blurred out background for artistic effect
If you’re a Nikon user, this offers a great value

3. Sony FE 35mm f/2.8

Brand	Brand Carl Zeiss
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Sony E
Lens Type	Lens Type Prime Lens
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 35 mm
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 2.8
Why it's great for street photography	Why it's great for street photography Small and lightweight, this lens combines well with a mirrorless camera to help you remain unobtrusive.

The Sony FE 35mm f/2.8 is a small lens that packs a big punch for street photography. It features Carl Zeiss optics, which means it produces impeccably sharp images. Its maximum aperture is f/2.8. That’s still a bit small as opposed to the f/1.4-f/1.8 options. Nonetheless, it creates creamy bokeh and works well, even in low-light conditions.

Features to consider:

Light and compact
Quick and silent focusing
Compatible with Sony APS-C and full frame cameras

4. Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R

Brand	Brand Fujifilm
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Fujifilm X
Lens Type	Lens Type Prime Lens
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 35 mm
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 1.4
Why it's great for street photography	Why it's great for street photography Superb optics in a strong, metal body. Easy to carry all day and remain unnoticed.

Most regular 35mm lenses are prone to distortion. But the Fujifilm XF 35mm does a great job of minimizing spherical aberrations and distortion.

With a maximum aperture of f/1.4, this is one of the fastest lenses on this list. Apart from the beautiful bokeh it produces, it also performs well in low light. So it’s a no-brainer to use this for taking nighttime street photos!

Features to consider:

The simple and compact design makes it easy to use and store
Features a rounded 7-blade aperture for creating beautiful bokeh
Super EBC coating on lens produces reduces flare

5. Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art DG HSM

Brand	Brand Sigma
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Nikon F
Lens Type	Lens Type Prime Lens
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 35 mm
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 1.4
Why it's great for street photography	Why it's great for street photography For the money, you won't get a much sharper f/1.4 35mm lens for your camera.

The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art lens comes with a mid-range price tag compared to the other lenses discussed here. So how does this compare to the L-series lenses? Very well, in fact. It produces results that are sharper than its Canon counterparts.

This makes this an excellent lens for street photography. With an aperture of f/1.4, it’s going to perform very well in low light.

You’re unlikely to open the aperture up to its largest setting in most conditions. The depth of field will simply be too shallow.

Are you looking for a lens that gives excellent street photos and on multiple camera bodies? This could be the best lens for street photography for you.

Features to consider:

Available in multiple mounts including Canon, Nikon, and Sony
Produces beautiful bokeh without sacrificing sharpness
Neat, modern design makes it easy to use

6. Nikon AF FX 24-85mm f/2.8-4D IF

Brand	Brand Nikon
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Nikon F
Lens Type	Lens Type Zoom Lens
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 24-85 mm
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 4.0
Why it's great for street photography	Why it's great for street photography This lens has a really useful range of focal lengths for capturing street scenes.

The Nikon AF FX 24-85mm f/2.8-4 is the Swiss Army knife for photographers. It has an excellent focal length range that allows you to shoot in any situation. And it has a maximum aperture of f/2.8 even though it’s a zoom lens. In contrast, most other zoom options have a maximum aperture of f/3.5.

One of its more remarkable features is that it has a macro function. It has a 2:1 ratio, which isn’t a true macro. But it works well if you need to take a quick close-up of objects.

Features to consider:

It’s a professional lens with a robust build that can handle rough tumbles
One of the most affordable zoom lenses in Nikon’s line
Sharp, consistent quality from 24mm to 85mm

7. Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD

Brand	Brand Tamron
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Nikon F
Lens Type	Lens Type Zoom Lens
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 24-70 mm
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 2.8
Why it's great for street photography	Why it's great for street photography The fast f/2.8 aperture and up to five stops of IS mean that low light is less of a problem.

For third party lenses, Tamron’s 24-70mm is the perfect option. It’s compatible with Canon, Nikon, and other major camera manufacturers. This model has one of the most effective vibration compensation. It lets you shoot up to 5 stops without motion blur.

We should also mention that it has a silent AF motor. Even if you’re shooting video, you won’t hear any noise coming from the barrel.

Features to consider:

Aperture diaphragm has 9 rounded blades for smooth bokeh
Maximum aperture is f/2.8, making it perfect for low-light situations
The moisture-resistant body allows for shooting in demanding

What’s Best, Prime or Zoom Camera Lenses?

When it comes to choosing the best lens for street photography, there are two main types. You have zoom lenses that can change the focal length. Then there are prime lenses that have a fixed focal length.

There are arguments for using both these types of lenses in taking street photos. So let’s look at these lens types in more detail.

Zoom Camera Lens

A zoom lens is a general-use type of camera lens. The big selling point is the ability to change focal length without changing your lens.

There are various types of zoom lenses. The common ones are the 18-55mmMany entry-level DSLRs come with a kit lens, like this Canon EF-S 18-55mm. Another popular zoom is the 70-200mm or 70-300mm, and you’ll find this at both the consumer level and pro.

Many of you may even have come across the superzoom. This type of zoom lens allows you to go from 18-300mm.

Those new to photography are likely to start with the 18-55mm lens combination. It is possible to get beautiful street photos with them.

So does the zoom’s versatility make it the best street photography lens? Let’s find out in the next section below!

Pros and Cons of Using Zoom Lenses

Like any other piece of equipment, zoom lenses have advantages and disadvantages. Let’s go through the pros and cons to see if these are the perfect optics for you.

Pros

Affordability – Most zooms (especially your kit lens) are cheaper than prime lenses. If you don’t have the budget to buy several street photography lenses, then this is the best choice for you.
Ease of use – The concept of a zoom lens is easy to understand. It lets you capture wide shots to close-ups with a twist of the lens barrel.
Versatility – You don’t have to change lenses all the time to capture the image you want. A standard zoom lens is equivalent to three or four prime lenses.

Cons

Perspective – Focal length can dramatically change your perspective. Do you use your zoom lens to zoom in on a subject while shooting street photography? If you do, you’re compressing the scene. And it can’t include other outside elements besides your main point of interest.
Lack of interaction – One of the best street photography tips is learning how to interact with your subject. Unfortunately, that can be difficult if you’re only zooming in to take photos.
Loss of quality – Using a zoom lens allows you to change the focal length on a whim. However, they often come with compromises such as variable aperture or poor image quality and sharpness. Distortion, chromatic aberration, and vignetting can also easily be an issue with the zoom alternatives—especially compared to prime lenses.

Although zooms have a few disadvantages, they’re not as bad as some people think. They’re the best choice if you don’t want to fumble with lenses too much. It’s also a great option if you don’t have a collection of optics. If you’re willing to work around their limitations, they can produce great results.

Prime Lenses

These types of lenses only have one focal length. To make it simple to understand, think of them as non-zoom lenses.

There are plenty of options for primes out there. The most popular ones include 35mm and 50mm. These focal lengths closely match what you see with your eyes in real life.

But of course, the focal lengths don’t just stop at 50mm. You can go as wide as 10mm all the way to a telephoto of 800mm or more.

A lot of street photographers like to use prime lenses because of their size. Their optics are also better than average zooms.

So, do you think prime lenses are the best option for you? Let’s look at their pros and cons below to find out!

Pros and Cons of Using Prime Lenses

Pros

Aperture – The aperture advantage of a prime lens is enormous. The quality of the glass is also much better. You’ll be able to photograph at f/1.2 with some lenses if you wish.

Low light – That huge aperture is a great advantage when photographing in low light. Street photography after dark is moody and atmospheric, and the best lens to capture this is a prime lens.

Bokeh – The large aperture also comes with another benefit—bokeh. Using bokeh in street photography is undoubtedly an advantage.

Cons

Fixed focal length – The most apparent issue with prime lenses is that they don’t let you zoom in. If you need to take close-ups, you need to get close to your subject.
Not as user-friendly – Beginners are used to zooming in all the time. That’s why most of them need time to practice using a prime lens. Not to mention, they have to constantly dismount and change their lenses in the field if they want to capture a different perspective.
Expensive – The 35mm and 50mm are relatively affordable. But most other prime lenses can cost a whole lot more than a standard zoom lens.

Do you think prime lenses are right for you? As you build your career as a photographer, you should consider buying a few primes. Although modern zoom lenses produce incredible results, there are some things that only a prime lens can do.

Feel free to start with the 50mm lens because it’s cheap. You can get one for less than two hundred dollars! After all, one of the tips on street photography involves using a 35mm or 50mm for optimal results. Once you try it, you’ll see the difference in quality right away!

The Best Focal Length for Street Photography

The majority of street photographers will tell you that 50mm is ideal. Why? Because it strikes a great balance between capturing the subject and their surroundings. And as we mentioned before, it closely replicates what we see with our eyes.

Is this true, and are there any alternatives you can try?

NB: Depending on the type of camera you have, you may need to apply a crop factor to these focal lengths

A full frame camera gives you 1:1 in terms of focal length, so 35mm is 35mm. A lens with a crop factor will mean adjusting the focal length. So if your crop factor is 1.6, your 35mm lens is behaving like a 60mm lens.

35mm – Those with crop sensors often use this lens. It then becomes closer to the ideal 50mm focal length. It’s also a favorite of full frame users as well. It’s an ample frame size that allows you to capture enough of the scene without needing to step back too much.
50mm – This focal length isn’t everyone’s favorite, primarily if you’re not used to using it. The more experience you gain, though, the more this lens will seem best suited to street photography. This lens also offers a perspective close to what the human eye sees.
Wide-angle – Do you want to get more story into your photo? Then consider wide-angle lenses. You might not want to go as wide as a fisheye, but a wide-angle can be fun as long as you control the distortions.
Long focal length – Do you prefer a tighter crop? Longer focal lengths will compress the scene. And they also allow you to stand further back so you’re less noticeable. Something like this Canon EF 135mm f/2L is a great camera lens if you want something slightly longer.

How about zoom lenses? Is there a perfect focal length range for them? There are plenty of options out there depending on what you need. Let’s take a look at a few of them.

18-55mm – This is the most common focal length range for kit lenses. It offers a good variation from wide to zoom. But in general, they also have the most inferior quality when it comes to optics. Nonetheless, they’re the right choice if you’re on a budget.
24-70mm – You can consider this the kit lens for professional photographers. They’re much more expensive than the 18-55mm option, but they also provide better quality.
12-24mm – Need a speciality zoom lens that takes ultra-wide-angle shots? Then this a great option to consider. It lets you take photos in small spaces without any issues.
24-105mm – If you genuinely want an all-in-one lens, then this is the option we recommend. It can take both wide-angle shots and telephoto images. The downside is that they’re bulky and the image quality it produces is often inconsistent.
70-200mm – This is a legitimate telephoto zoom lens that lets you take close-up shots. It’s also one of the cheapest you can buy that’s not a kit lens.

Looking for the best presets for street photography? Check out our Preset Collection!

Conclusion

There are several factors you’ll need to think about when choosing the best lens for street photography. You should consider the weight, features, price, and most importantly, quality.

For us, this nifty-fifty from Canon comes out on top. The focal length is versatile for street shooting. The optical quality is excellent. And you can’t complain about the price.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Lens For Street Photography

Canon EF 50mm F/1.8 STM

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm F/1.8G

Sony FE Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 35mm F/2.8 ZA SEL35F28Z

The Best Street Photography Lightroom Presets in 2024

Jenn Mishra — Wed, 29 Dec 2021 14:15:21 +0000

Street photography is all about capturing the life and energy of a city in a single frame. To do that, you need to be able to work fast and respond to whatever pops up in front of you. The best way to do that is to have your camera settings pre-configured so that you can spend more time looking for great shots and less time fiddling with your gear.
In this article, we’re going to show you our favorite street photography lightroom presets. These presets will help you speed up your post-processing workflow and give your photos a classic film look.

Six Street Photography Lightroom Presets Applied to the Same Beach Scene

Think of a Lightroom preset as a photo editing recipe. It is a unique combination of settings, including tone curves and color grading.
When you apply a preset, Lightroom sliders will change automatically. But you can still grab a slider and tweak it if you don’t like something about the result.
Using a Lightroom preset is not cheating. It is a quick way of achieving a look or style in your image.
You may not have created the recipe, but you choose the look. No one is going to notice if you used a preset. Professional photographers might use presets, and we would not know the difference.

Benefits of Lightroom Presets

Presets speed up your workflow. You do not have to tweak every slider for each image to get the look you want. Presets make the photo editing process easy. Thus, you are more likely to edit your photos and share them because the process is painless.
They are also great for learning how various sliders interact to create a look. Even if you have been editing photos in Lightroom for years, there is always something new to discover. Presets give you a new perspective on how your image can look.

Where to Find Lightroom Presets

At last count, there were over 150 presets included in Lightroom. They are grouped in folders defined by a look (i.e. cinematic) or a type of photography (i.e. food).
Don’t get too tied to the labels. There’s nothing wrong with using a food preset on a street photograph. A travel preset may look good on an image of food.
Lightroom presets are in different places, depending on whether you use Lightroom Classic or Lightroom CC.

Lightroom Classic: Open the Develop module. The presets are in the left-hand column in the Presets panel.
Lightroom CC: Open the editing workspace. Under the histogram, click the Presets button. A column appears with both Premium presets and any other imported presets.

Best Lightroom Presets – Street Photography

The best preset for urban photos depends on the scene and what you like. You can choose color or black-and-white presets. The look can be modern or vintage. The image can have grain that simulates film or be bright and airy.
Contrast and color play a big part in how a photo looks. Some presets create high contrast or saturated colors. Others mute colors or add a tint to simulate old film.
Adobe numbers their Lightroom presets, so there are no memorable names. We will list the folder and preset designation. The original photos in the comparison examples below have only had lens correction and cropping applied.

Auto+: Retro – AR06

There are eleven presets included in the ‘Auto+: Retro’ folder. The Retro presets create a classic vibe. Most add a matte look and a bluish tint without taking away from your original colors.
With street photos, AR06 is a good place to start. If the blue is too strong, try AR08.
See how this night street scene of three women reflected in a restaurant window changes with the AR06 preset applied.

Style: Black and White – BW07

If you think converting an image to black and white only means removing color, you are in for a surprise. There are as many black-and-white presets as stars in the sky.
Each of the twelve in Lightroom creates a different black and white look. Some have a toned color cast, like sepia.
If you want a modern black and white conversion with clean contrast, you can’t go wrong with BW07. If the look goes too dark, brighten it up by moving the exposure slider to the right.
This street photo of musicians in London’s Camden Market becomes classic with the BW07 black-and-white conversion applied.

Style: Black and White – BW03

Sepia adds a yellow or brown tone to your image for a vintage look. For a high contrast sepia look, try BW03.
You may want to brighten the image by moving the exposure slider to the right. If the brown tint is too strong for your taste, try BW02.
Here is a modern scene of a man seated alone in a restaurant window with the vintage look created by BW03.

Style: Cinematic – CN09

There are eighteen cinematic presets in Lightroom divided into two folders. There are a lot of different looks available.
A favourite is CN09. This has a slight green tint and muted colors. For a grungier look with teal shadows and orange highlights, try CN01. CN12 gives you a brighter, more natural look.
The bright colors of London’s Camden Town take on a classic cinematic look with CN09 preset applied.

Style: Futuristic – FT02

There are twelve Futuristic presets. If you want a modern-color pop, you can’t go wrong with Futuristic FT02. This preset clarifies and brings out textures. If you want more muted colors, try FT12.
This red phonebooth on a London street pop with the FT02 preset applied.

Style: Vintage – VN09

There are ten vintage presets that create old film looks with muted colors. VN09 gives your photos a soft, vintage flavour without an overwhelming color cast.
The VN09 preset makes this image of a mother and daughter out for a summer stroll in London’s Borough Market look like it was taken in the 1990s.

Subject: Food – FD04

The eleven presets in the food folder are not designed for street photography. But that doesn’t mean they won’t work well with your images. The FD02 preset brightens your image and brings out the colors.
But FD04 is the winner. Notice how it creates a sepia look to the highlights but retains the original colors.

Subject: Lifestyle – LF03

Lifestyle photographs are natural moments in everyday life. Thus, they’re perfect for street photographs.
The look is often relaxed and light. The LF03 preset lightens the midtones and adds a slight haze for an airy look.

Subject: Travel – TR18

Lightroom includes eighteen travel presets divided into two folders. Many of these presets work for street images. Both TR03 and TR18 will give you bright photos. TR16 is a bit more neutral with less color pop.
The TR18 preset brings out the colors and adds contrast. The highlights are a warm yellow and the shadows a cool blue.

Free Lightroom Presets – AI Recommendations

Lightroom comes with a lot of good presets for street photography. But if you don’t find one you like, Lightroom CC users can ask Adobe’s AI to find more.
Click on the Recommended tab. Lightroom searches through shared user-created presets to find ones that fit your image. You can choose a moody atmosphere or an edgy HDR effect.
This feature is only available in Lightroom CC and Lightroom mobile. It is not in Lightroom Classic.

Conclusion

Lightroom presets make it easy to edit your street photographs. You can go for urban grunge or a soft vintage look. You may even choose different presets depending on the scene and lighting conditions. Even if you prefer to edit your image one slider at a time, seeing a preset applied to your photo opens a world of possibilities!
Want to know more? Try out our Effortless Editing with Lightroom to rapidly improve your post-processing skills.

16 Simple Cityscape Photography Tips for Breathtaking Scenes

Kav Dadfar — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 12:00:09 +0000

It’s no wonder that cityscape photography is so popular. New York, London, Paris. Think of any famous city around the world. Their iconic cityscapes will immediately come to mind.

The good news is that cityscapes aren’t hard to photograph. You will often find clear vantage points around a city and have a subject that won’t move!

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Hoya 77mm PRO1 Polarizer Filter

Enhance your cityscape photography with a polarizing filter that reduces reflections and saturates colors for breathtaking shots. Get inspired with our product.

16 Simple Cityscape Photography Tips

Here are our top 16 tips for taking breathtaking cityscape photography.

1. Check the Weather for the Right Light and Mood

For stunning cityscape photography, you will need the right . Most outdoor photography relies on available natural light. It doesn’t mean you need beautiful sunshine.

Stormy skies or mist can add an extra dimension to your photos. But the weather will affect the kind of cityscape you will be shooting. You may have to revisit a location when the weather reflects your desired mood better.

2. Reduce Camera Shake with Hands-Free Options

Use both a tripod and hands-free shutter releases when you shoot cityscapes. They reduce camera shake and ensure sharper images. And for spaces where you can’t use a tripod, use a sock filled with rice as a homemade portable stabilizer.

Place your camera on the rice-filled sock so it doesn’t move! Then, use the self-timer function on your camera, a mobile camera app trigger, or a cable release to snap the shot.

(DepositPhotos)

3. Scout Locations for Unobstructed Views of the City

One of the most important things cityscape photographers need is the right location. What you need is an unobstructed view of the skyline. You can’t shoot the Empire State Building if you are at the Empire State Building.

It’s best to be far from the urban landscape you want to photograph. Google Street View is a helpful resource for scouting out these locations.

4. Take Cityscapes from Viewing Platforms or Rooftop Bars

Big cities around the world usually have tall buildings like towers or skyscrapers. And most of them have viewing platforms you can access. Some places require you to book ahead of time, so plan accordingly.

If you can’t find any viewing platforms, rooftop bars can also have great city views. Use a telephoto lens to get more focused details of other buildings and to create a nice separation from the background.

5. Adjust F-Stop and ISO for Sharp Images

In cityscape photography, you want to adjust a few camera settings. To keep the image sharp, use a maximum depth of field. Start with your aperture at around f/8 and work up (larger number, smaller aperture). This means that your image will be at its sharpest.

Keep your ISO as low as possible. The higher your ISO, the more noise you’ll see in your image. That will mean less sharpness. If you are shooting handheld, keep your shutter speed at a minimum of 1/125 s.

(Dreamstime)

6. Combine Framing Techniques for the Best Composition

Place subjects in your frame based on the rule of thirds. This composition rule creates a pleasing, balanced image. You can also play with where the horizon appears in your picture.

Another great way to view a city differently is to frame points of interest. Use windows, doors, trees, and other buildings to isolate singular buildings from the rest of the city. Combine techniques for the best result.

7. Use the Foreground as a Point of Interest

Your foreground is as vital to the overall composition of the image as your cityscape. Frame your shot using points of interest in the foreground. An excellent technique is placing your camera very low on the ground and tilting it upward slightly. A close-up of ground details can sometimes provide unique results.

(Dreamstime)

8. Avoid or Use Converging Lines With Buildings

Converging lines are when it looks like the building is falling backward. It occurs when you point the camera upwards at a structure. For the correct perspective, try to photograph cityscapes from further back. This distance will help keep the sides of the buildings straight.

By keeping your camera level, the sides of the buildings will not lean into the middle of the frame. But, if you want to emphasize the height or status of a building, use converging lines as a compositional tool. The latter also offers a unique angle of the city.

9. Include People in Cityscapes to Show Scale

People are a big part of city life. Including people in your cityscape images will also help show the scale of your cityscape subject. A tiny figure walking, running, or jumping in front of a large facade is an interesting contrasting element in the photo. The immensity of a wall or building is better emphasized.

10. Use Reflections to Add Compelling Details

A good place to look for reflections is along waterfronts or near bridges over bodies of water. They can add balanced symmetry and depth to a cityscape. Reflections in windows, shiny buildings, and puddles also help create abstract images.

These added reflections make people see the city in new and exciting ways. Use a polarizing filter to control reflections. As you rotate the filter, reflections in windows and water appear and disappear.

11. Shoot Cityscapes During Golden Hour and Blue Hour

The best time to photograph a cityscape is during golden hour. It is the time after sunrise and before sunset when soft, golden light can enhance any scene.

Blue hour is the perfect time to shoot cityscapes with water. It is just after the sun goes down and lasts five to forty minutes. Reflections take on the magic quality of residual, ambient sunlight.

12. Use Neutral Density Filters for High Contrast Scenes

If your sky is too bright and your foreground is too dark, neutral density (ND) filters are handy. They darken half of the image to balance your highlights and shadows.

With your ND filter on, widen your aperture for slow shutter speeds. Aperture Priority mode can help you get the correct exposure.

13. Take Long-Exposure, Night Shots with Light Trails

City lights will come on as the sky gets dark, meaning you can shoot with slower shutter speeds for creative results. Use long-exposure night photography to create stunning cityscapes. Use traffic to create light trails in your scene for added drama.

Make sure you stabilize your camera with a tripod. We find 15 seconds or longer to be the best shutter speed for photographing a cityscape at night. And be sure to take plenty of batteries, as long-exposure photography in low-light conditions uses more power than usual.

DepositPhotos

14. Shoot Landmark Photos With a Wide Angle Lens

A wide-angle lens lets you get much more city in the frame, creating breathtaking vistas of the concrete jungle. But wide-angle lenses make the center of your image seem far away, so you may need to crop the image in post-processing.

Use a wide-angle lens to capture unique compositions of landmarks. Get close or zoom in to fill the frame.

15. Enhance Cityscape Photography with Edits

An important decision in post-processing your cityscape photography is white balance. You can keep the ambiance and warmth of the artificial light or cool the image to correct colors and take out the orange glow.

Boost vibrancy and saturation, and add brightness or contrast to help the final result. Or try editing some images in monochrome. Removing the distraction of color can enhance the textures in your photo.

16. Keep Trying Until You Get the Shot You Want

Great photos come from persistence. There will be occasions when you get frustrated by the outcome of a shoot. Maybe the weather isn’t great, or construction is obstructing your view. This happens to all cityscape photographers. The key is to try repeatedly until you achieve the shot you want.

Conclusion: Cityscape Photography

Cityscape photography can encapsulate the energy and feel of a city with both vast skylines and isolated details. Your cityscape photography can give others a new perspective on familiar places.

Don’t worry if you don’t have an expensive, professional setup. The best camera is the one you have. Even shooting on your smartphone can give incredible results. With good techniques, sound research, and the right attitude, you will capture amazing cityscape shots!

Are you wondering how to take beautiful compositions with your camera phone? Check out our Urban Smartphone Minimalism eBook. Learn how to take exciting photos each time you leave your home!

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Is it Illegal to Take Pictures of People? (Street Photo Laws)

Christopher Bryan-Smith — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 06:15:10 +0000

Street photography often involves taking photos of people. But is it illegal to take pictures of people? This is definitely something you’ll want to know.

Street photography is exciting and popular. But taking photographs on the street isn’t always as simple as picking up your cameras and taking photos. When taking photographs in a public place, you need to consider the laws of the country you’re in.

Street photography and the law is a complicated subject. But we’re here to shed some light on the situation.

Photo by Yunming Wang

Is It Illegal to Take Pictures of People?

In the United States of America, the First Amendment ensures a citizen’s right to freedom of expression. Thus, they can express their beliefs without fear of persecution from the government. This includes freedom of the press and the right to public expression.

This freedom is not unique to the United States. For example, in the United Kingdom and other European democracies, people also have a right to public expression. These rights are part of the European Human Rights Act 1998.

This gives street photographers the right to take pictures in public spaces. Photographers can photograph people and buildings provided that they are in a publicly owned area. This includes police officers or government buildings.

We can take the following statement from the Metropolitan Police of England and Wales as an example:

“Members of the public and the media do not need a permit to film or photograph in public places. And police have no power to stop them filming or photographing incidents or police personnel.”

Every country is different. But freedom of expression is considered a vital aspect of a healthy and robust democracy. It allows personal freedom and limits the powers of centralized authorities.

Photo by Dim Hou

Keep Restrictions and Limitations in Mind

Street photography laws grant photographers a lot of freedom in public places. But they aren’t unlimited. There are some exceptions and restrictions.

Crime scenes are off-limits to unauthorized photographers. Even if the scene is in a public area, you’re not allowed to take pictures. This is because it could affect the investigation. Or the photographer could incriminate themselves.

Certain government facilities are also out-of-bounds. For example, military bases are publicly funded, but they’re off-limits to civilians. Unauthorized access would be a risk to national security.

A photographer can shoot on public pavements and highways. But their work cannot disrupt traffic your block footpaths. And they should not act in a way that could be a safety hazard.

Some countries have photography laws relating to the Freedom of Panorama. Specific landmarks and buildings can’t be photographed.

Photography is not permitted in the Sistine Chapel. Nor is it allowed at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in Austalia.

Many countries put significant limitations on photographers. For example, in South Korea and Hungary, you are not allowed to photograph anyone without their consent.

Photo by Ling Tang

Is There a Right to Privacy in a Public Space?

In other words, is it illegal to take photos of people in public? No. In a public space, individuals have no right to privacy.

For example, a photographer can take a picture of a street scene. It could include many people, and some faces may be recognizable. But if one of those people does not want their picture taken, they have no legal right to protest.

Every street photographer has been approached by a member of the public at some point. They will often ask what they’re doing. Or they’ll ask not to have their picture taken.

They may have a personal reason they don’t want to have their photo taken. The photographer can comply with their wishes if they want. But they are under no legal obligation to do so.

But photographers don’t have the right to do as they please. Having a camera in your hand does not give you the right to harass or provoke other people. In England and Wales, this behavior is a criminal offense.

In Texas, there is an “improper photography” statute. This law makes it illegal to photograph a subject without their consent “…with intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.”

Photographers working in public should keep an open mind and a friendly demeanor. However, if people do approach them, they should be willing to listen and talk. This will help reduce any sense of suspicion they may have.

Photo by Jacek Dylag

Use Model Release Forms for Commercial Photography

When it comes to art and journalism, the photographer has the freedom to photograph strangers in the street. But when photography has a commercial purpose, things aren’t so simple.

If a photographer intends to use an image for advertising, any recognizable individual in the photo needs to provide a model release form.

A model release form gives the photographer permission to use the model’s image for commercial purposes. Without it, the subject can take legal action against the photographer or company.

This is an important consideration for any photographer working in a public space. For example, if they take a photo of a street in New York City, it could contain hundreds of people. And if the photo is for commercial use, they would need a release form from everyone who’s clearly visible.

Public locations are often used in fashion photography. And most of the time, they will be using professional models. But they need to be aware that any person featured in the picture should sign a release form. For example, a makeup artist or fashion designer who is also shown in the image alongside the professional model.

Photo by Ksenia Varapaeva

Is a Model Release Form Needed When Displaying and Selling Photographs?

Displaying and selling photographs is a commercial activity. It’s how many photographers make a living. But selling your work does not make it commercial photography.

Photography has a commercial purpose if the intent is to sell or advertise a product. Not when the photograph itself is the product.

It means street photographers don’t need model releases from people in their photos. Their work is still considered artistic rather than commercial.

Photo by Antenna

Take Care When Photographing on Private Property

If you’re heading out to do some photography, you need to stay on public property. The main streets of cities and towns are for public use, so you’re free to shoot photos. Roads and parks are also publicly owned.

Photographing people is not permitted on private property. You can’t take your camera onto a private estate and start snapping away. The same applies in places of business, such as hotels and restaurants.

In these places, the photographer will need permission from the owner. If you are shooting without permission, a security guard can tell you to stop.

These photography laws aren’t crystal clear. For example, a photographer can take a photo of people in a restaurant through a window. As long as the photographer remains on public land, they are within their rights.

Private houses are different. Even if a photographer is on public land, they cannot take a photo through the window of someone’s home. We all expect privacy in our own homes. And there are privacy laws to protect that.

Photo by Ruben Hanssen

What About Privately Owned Public Spaces?

Street photographers have to be extra careful these days. Many spaces seem public but are actually privately owned.

There are parks, squares, and sections of city high streets that are no longer owned by the public. For example, a beautiful park may be open to the public. But it could be owned by a company (perhaps Skynet or InGen!).

With people moving freely, they give the appearance of a space owned by the public for the public. But now, many of these areas have been privatized. And the land is now privately owned.

For photographers, this means laws relating to freedom of expression do not apply. The owner can ask law enforcement to remove them. Some places have private security.

Photo by Ignacio Brosa

Photography Laws by Countries

Here are some resources we’ve gathered for you to check the photography laws and regulations in different countries.

Australasia

North America

Europe

Asia

Photo by Nuno Alberto

Conclusion

It’s always good to know your rights, especially if you’re a photographer. But, you also need to know what you can and can’t do when it comes to photography laws.

The First Amendment and the European Human Rights Act grant private citizens the right to express themselves publicly. And this includes photography. But remember, these rights are not unlimited.

Every country (and even every state in the US) has its own laws around street photography. So do your research before you travel anywhere. And if you are confronted, always be open and honest.

Ultimately, is it illegal to take pictures of people? That depends on a lot of things and it’s always best to check local laws before shooting.

If you’re an aspiring street photographer, check out our Photography for Beginners eBook to master the basics.

10 Types of Street Photography You Should Know in 2024

Christopher Bryan-Smith — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 17:46:56 +0000

People new to the genre might think street photography is easy to define. You could say that street photography is when the street is the location and subject. But that’s far too simplistic.
There are, in fact, many types of street photography. And there are many street photographers with unique and distinct styles. Street photography doesn’t have one set of rules. It is flexible and open to interpretation.
We’ll take you through some of the different types of street photography. It’ll provide plenty of inspiration. And by the end, you’ll be ready to head out onto the pavement to shoot your own street photography.

10 Types of Photography You Should Know, Including Street Photography

The street is an environment familiar to us all. If you live in a city, you have to navigate your way through a maze of streets every day. There are streets we live on. And streets that are new to us.
But not all streets make us feel the same way. There are some we like. And some we don’t like. A vibrant street with lots of people can make us feel excited. Or a desolate avenue can give us the creeps. And streets, like flowing rivers, change as time moves forward.
These are the 10 types of street photography you should know. We’ll provide links to some of the finest master street photographers so you can get inspired. By the end, you’ll be ready to pick up your camera and pound the pavement.

Photo by Matthew Henry

1. Unobtrusive Street Photography

An unobtrusive street photographer is someone that does not interfere with the world around them. They have no part to play in the scene in front of them—they merely observe.
These photographers want their presence to go unnoticed. They stand back and blend into the background. And their minimal impact allows the scene to play out as naturally as possible.
It’s not possible to disappear completely. But it’s about becoming an accepted and non-threatening presence. It’s not about hiding—it’s about blending in.
The unobtrusive strategy allows photographers to capture everyday life on the street. This approach allows them to get candid shots without intruding on people’s personal spaces.
The photographer’s lack of impact allows street life to continue as if they weren’t there. The street photographer observes the unmediated chance encounters. And they capture the real moments as they flow by.
The art is in picking subjects and timing the shots. You need to be observant and patient. Forcing the shots could disturb the natural balance. People will become aware and self-conscious.
This type of street photography lends itself to photojournalism and documentary shooting. Both disciplines call for natural and true-to-life street photos.
But it’s also an art form in its own right. Candid street photography can freeze a moment in time. They can bring back old memories or ignite our imaginations.
Master: Robert Doisneau

Photo by Harold Wainwright

2. Intrusive Street Photography

The intrusive street photographer has the opposite approach. They’re not happy to sit back and watch the world float past them. They want to make waves and be involved.
They still need to blend into the scene—but not to go unnoticed. The intrusive photographer pursues active inclusion. They take to people and make themselves known.
The intrusive style can produce vibrant images alive with energy and tension. The shots are candid but in a way that is more contrived than unobtrusive photography.
It doesn’t blend so well with traditional documentary photography. But it’s perfect for photographers interested in gonzo journalism. With gonzo, the journalist becomes part of the story.
This style of photography has been used to document dangerous groups. The photographer attaches themself to football hooligans or fringe political parties.
This type of street photography is less about waiting for something to happen. It’s more about making something happen. These photographers are brave. And often a little bit crazy too.
Master: Bruce Gilden

Photo by Ehimetalor Akhere Unuabona

3. Raw-Style Street Photography

The raw style of street photography is about finding what’s underneath the surface. These photographers have a no-holds-barred approach. They expose the dark reality of street life.
Not every street is a picturesque boulevard lined with market stalls and old men reading newspapers. There are dark alleys and streets you shouldn’t walk down at night.
These are the locations of the raw street photographers. Their subjects are the barflies and the drunks, the prostitutes and the johns, the homeless and the hopeless. They’re the ones ignored and swept away.
Raw photographers bring them back into focus. They lift the rug and expose everything society has swept underneath.
It’s not always easy to look at. And this type of street photography does raise some issues about ethics. People are often caught in dangerous or compromising positions.
The goal is rugged realism. But is there a human cost to this art? And do the ends justify the means?
Master: Weegee

Photo by Aliagha Shirinov

4. Street Portraits

Many people wouldn’t put portraits and street photography together. Portraits are often associated with studio photography. These days they are seen as something used for mugshots and resumes.
But street portraiture is a fascinating type of street photography. The street can be used as a location for portraits. Or you can find new faces for portraits as you walk out on the sidewalk.
Rosie Matheson is a contemporary portrait photographer who uses street settings to add meaning and flavour to her work. It’s not just about the person. Her street portraits are about the location.
People as subjects have always been an intriguing element in street photography. They bring warmth to an abstract world. A pair of eyes are like a lighthouse in a sea of concrete, helping the viewer connect to the scene.
Street portraits can be staged or candid. That is a decision for the photographer to make. It depends on their style and what they want to achieve.
Master: Robert Frank

Photo by Farah Abouel Seoud

5. Fine-Art Street Photography

Fine art and street photography aren’t usually considered associates. The former is about beauty and precision. The latter is about the hustle and bustle of the urban jungle.
But the street can be the setting for photography that focuses on beauty. It can be used as the canvas on which the photographer can paint their picture.
With many types of street photography, the content of the photo is important. But with fine art street photography, the photo itself is the important part. The image is the subject.
The fine art photographer finds beauty in the urban landscape. They use their skills of composition and framing to shoot captivating images.
The process of shooting this kind of street photography can be painstaking. Every detail is considered, and the camera placement has to be exact.
Master: André Kertész

Photo by Yaopey Yong

6. Fashion Street Photography

When people think about fashion, they think about studios and catwalks. But in reality, the main fashion catwalk is the street. That’s where most people see us wearing the clothes we like to wear.
Modern fashion photographers are well aware of this. They use the street as a backdrop for their fashion photography.
The main focus is still the clothes. But the urban scenery adds meaning to the photographer’s imagery. Certain locations have associations you can use to make clothes appeal to different demographics.
The clothes you see at fashion shows are conceptual. They can often look strange or even funny. But the street is the catwalk we’re all familiar with. They’re full of clothes we relate to, recognize, and understand.
Master: Joshua Woods

Photo by Mark Adriane

7. Geometric Street Photography

The street can be a busy place. Cars and cyclists race past. People rush here and there. It can seem like a mess of movement. But if you stop and look, you’ll find hundreds of shapes and patterns.
These shapes and patterns appear naturally in an unnatural world. They could be shadows or paving slabs. They could be the railing on a flight of stairs or the intersection of two walls.
Geometric street photography has a distinct lack of clutter. It has a minimalist philosophy. The images are stark. The lines are clean, and the shapes are clearly defined.
Many types of street photography focus on the things that move. But geometric photography looks at static patterns. The photographer lets the world flow past them while they look for shapes.
Urban architecture offers many opportunities to the geometric photographer. Modern and postmodern buildings often use straight lines and sharp angles. They create an urban minimalist landscape of geometric shapes and patterns.
Master: Henri Cartier-Bresson

Photo by Brad Starkey

8. Smart Street Photography

It might seem unfair to call one type of street photography smart. Every style has artistic merit. But smart street photography holds a particular element that makes us think. It might be something clever or something funny.
These street photos often have a feeling of self-awareness. The photographer has a sense of humour. And the imagery has elements of satire.
The imagery is derived from how the photographer sees the world. There’s a cynicism that exposes the contradictions of modern life.
Smart street photography isn’t something easily achieved. And it’s not just about worldview. The photographer needs to be patient and persistent. They need a camera around their neck 24/7.
Master: Gary Winogrand

Photo by Brad Starkey

9. Abstract Street Photography

Abstract street photographers aren’t unobtrusive or intrusive. They step back from the street and see it in its purest form. They’re not looking at the moving elements, the cars or the people. They’re looking at a combination of shapes and patterns.
These photographers actually want a simplified image. Like fine art and geometric photography, it’s about the imagery rather than the subject.
Abstract street photography is about shape and form. People can be involved, but they are only part of a constructed image. The shapes can be hard and rough, like concrete or soft and smooth like rain on a window.
Composition is the key to abstract photography. The urban landscape is full of unique shapes and forms. And the street photographer finds the stripped-down aesthetic beauty within the scene.
Master: Saul Leiter

Photo by Chris Barbalis

10. Modern Street Photography

Modern street photography focuses on aspects of life peculiar to the modern world. It’s not as simple as taking a picture of a street scene today. That would be a contemporary street photo. But that’s not modern street photography.
People are not always the subject. The focus is more on shapes and images that symbolise modernism. It’s often the things that we know will change with time. It could be the shape of a new car model or a toy fad that’s already nearing its sell-by date.
Like smart photography, there is a sense of self-awareness. The photographer knows how times change. And how the new becomes dated in the blink of an eye. Modern street photography is about knowing you’re in a fleeting moment of history.
Master: Matthew Wylie

Photo by Brad Starkey

Conclusion

It’s hard to define street photography. It isn’t limited to one style. There are many types of street photography, all distinct and different. But they all find beauty and intrigue in the street.
Every street photographer has a distinct approach. They each find street photographs in different places, where street action flows fast or slow. But the results can be captivating all the same.
I hope this post has inspired you to hit the pavement and shoot street photography. Whatever your style, the street is a fascinating place to grow your photography skills.
Are you looking for new ways to shoot photos? Check out The Creative Photography Cookbook that shows you how to take beautiful, creative, and technically perfect images.